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Kobe

KOBE, pseudonym of Jacques Saelens, was a Belgian artist (Kortrijk, Belgium 1950 – Saint-Julien (Var), France 2014).

He combined the broad with sophistication. Two themes dominated his artworks: the female figures, in all its mystery and simplicity, not as those we know from fashion magazines and movies. His other favourite theme is the horse. Not only because it is a symbol of connection, companionship, and strength.

We also owe a lot to the horse. Its history runs parallel with that of man (in labour and in battle, in sporting entertainment, in defeats and victories).
Kobe developed his artistic vision by travelling around the world. Kobe has always been fascinated by the ancient cultures in Central America, South America, Africa and Asia. All his sculptures are therefore preceded by a long journey of passion, awareness, and study.

Kobe created his own style of sculptures that are instantly recognizable. Kobe was in constant search of beauty, simplicity, and purity. He did not inject his art with hidden meanings. His works of art brought feelings to life for the world to enjoy: love, happiness, friendship, and affection.

Since 1995, Kobe has lived and worked in Pietrasanta (Italy), the famous and historic international centre for marble and bronze artists, close to the bronze foundries and close to the Carrara marble quarries.

Education

Kobe studied sculpture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Kortrijk (Belgium) (1969-1977) as well as plastic arts, specializing in sculpture at Sint-Lucas Gent and Sint-Lukas Brussel (1972-1974). Later on he became a teacher in sculpture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Kortrijk (1977-1978), at the Academy of Fine Arts in Deinze (Belgium) (1979-1995) and Academy of Visual Arts in Harelbeke (Belgium) (1990-1994).

Group Exhibitions (selected)

His artworks have been exhibited in numerous national and international galleries and art fairs including Morren Galleries (Utrecht, NL), Robinsons Art Gallery (Knokke-Zoute, BE), Europ'Art (Genève, CH)

Assignments

MONUMENTAL ARTWORK The most monumental artwork ‘Arcade’ (670 x 630 x 440 cm) is located in Canada, near the Atlantic Ocean. Some of his other sculptures can be found in private collections and museums, among which are ‘The Phoebus Foundation’ (https://www.headquarters-katoennatie.com/en/the-bather-kobe) and ‘Beeldengalerij Het Depot’ (https://www.hetdepot.nl/en/Kunstenaars/Kobe). MONUMENTAL ARTWORK The most monumental artwork ‘Arcade’ (670 x 630 x 440 cm) is located in Canada, near the Atlantic Ocean. Some of his other sculptures can be found in private collections and museums, among which are ‘The Phoebus Foundation’ (https://www.headquarters-katoennatie.com/en/the-bather-kobe) and ‘Beeldengalerij Het Depot’ (https://www.hetdepot.nl/en/Kunstenaars/Kobe).

Collections

LEGACY Kobe devoted his life to making art and left an impressive collection of marble and bronze artworks. His son honours his father's legacy and keeps the appreciation for his art alive. He travels around the world to meet people who are equally moved by the art of Kobe and he continues to promote Kobe's artworks through the following activities: organizing exhibitions, assessing the authenticity of the artworks, realizing publications (for example ‘Kobe – Ingenious Simplicity’) and promotion on social media.

Art Fairs (selected)

Miart Milano Art Fair (Milano, IT), London Art Fair (Londen, GB), MPV Gallery (Den Bosch, Nederland), Miami Art Fair (Miami, Florida, USA), KunstRAI (Amsterdam, NL) and Galerie Beaux-Arts (Londen, GB).