In 2026, Japan and Belgium celebrate 160 years of diplomatic relations. These relations were established in 1866 with the signing of a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation. Since then, economic missions and cultural events have been regularly organized to promote exchanges and strengthen the bonds between Belgium and Japan.

In this context, Zedes Art Gallery presents, under the high patronage of the Embassy of Japan in Belgium, an exhibition dedicated to Belgian artist Patrick Gerola, whose ongoing commitment contributes to cultural dissemination and the establishment of artistic ties between our two countries, whether through painting, music, dance, or cinema.

Patrick Gerola was born in Brussels in 1959 into an artistic family. He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels and subsequently worked as a set designer with Micha Van Hoecke, director of Maurice Béjart’s ballet school, Mudra. In 1983, he moved to Japan and established his studio there. He met Tomomi Hida, a talented singer with a crystalline voice, who would become his partner. Japan profoundly transformed him and marked his artistic rebirth. Between figuration and abstraction, between tradition and innovation, this Belgian from the ends of the earth draws inspiration from both Japanese and European cultures.

Patrick Gerola uses the « Affresco » technique and develops a blend of resin and natural IWA ENOGU pigments used in NIHONGA painting. This true alchemy reconnects with traditional Japanese painting techniques, providing maximum light and transparency, while respecting both time and the harmony of nature.