The Life of Paul Permeke
Born in Sidford, United Kingdom, Paul Permeke was an Anglo-Belgian painter born into a family of artists. His father was the painter Constant Permeke, his mother was Marie Delaere, and his grandfather was the painter Henri Permeke. He was also the nephew of the photographer Maurice Antony and the art critic and furniture designer Emiel Veranneman. After a brief childhood in England, his family settled in Ostende, living in a house in Jabbeke that later became the Constant Permeke Provincial Museum.
An autodidact, Permeke left his parental home in 1934 following a disagreement with his father regarding his artistic training. After living for a time in Lausanne, he returned to Belgium, where he formed an artist community called Het Luizengevecht in Dudzele alongside Rik Slabbinck and Luc Peire. During the Second World War, his English nationality led to his imprisonment in Germany. His later travels included stays in Spain, Portugal, Paris, and southern France, before he returned to live in Westkapelle in 1960. He was a father to three children: Mark, Cathy, and Paul Permeke fils, the latter of whom is also a painter. His brother John Permeke was a painter, and his son James, known as Joopie, was a sculptor.
Artistic Style and Legacy
The work of Paul Permeke is characterized by the style of Flemish Expressionism. His technique involves simplified forms and powerful volumes, often featuring massive, frequently isolated human figures. His compositions are noted for being rigorous, utilizing a strong drawing style and a palette dominated by earthy and dark tones. While his work shares the expressionism of his father, his approach is distinguished by a contained expressivity and an introspective atmosphere.
His works are held in several public collections, including:
