BRUSSELS.- Xavier Hufkens announced the passing of Belgian painter Walter Swennen, at the age of 79. Widely regarded as one of Belgium’s most influential artists, Swennen created a singular body of work that continually pushed the boundaries of painting.

Born in Brussels in 1946, Swennen began his artistic career as a poet and performer before turning to painting in the late 1970s. Over the following decades, he forged an independent practice defined by an unwavering commitment to his vision for the medium.

There is no meaning, there is just the secret. And the secret is to be found in the making of art. — Walter Swennen

Central to his practice was the idea that art should be free from imposed meaning, allowing chance, intuition, and curiosity to guide the process. Drawing from a wide range of sources – including free jazz, comic books, philosophy, street signage, and art history – his painting was characterised by humour, linguistic play, and visual experimentation.

Swennen’s work has been celebrated internationally, with major retrospectives at institutions such as Kunst Museum Winterthur, Kunstmuseum Den Haag, Kunstmuseum Bonn, La Triennale di Milano and WIELS, confirming his position as a significant figure in contemporary painting.

Walter’s passing is an immense loss, both personally and artistically. He was a dear friend and a true visionary, whose thinking was as uncompromising as it was free. We will miss him profoundly, but his spirit will endure, inspiring and challenging generations to come. — Xavier Hufkens

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the many who were touched by his life and art.

A private ceremony will be organised for family and close friends.