ABOUT KATLEEN VAN DER GUCHT
BIOGRAPHY
I live in Ghent, Belgium, where I pursue my passion for art. Additionally, I am employed as a scientist at both Tilburg University and the University of Leuven. With a background in biology, I've had the privilege of conducting research on fungi growing in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Currently, my focus lies in investigating the effects and underlying mechanisms of mindfulness meditation. Alongside my scientific endeavors, I've taken various art courses ( see details below).
​
Through my work in the Department of Biology I was able to experience the overwhelming beauty of natural rainforests. However, at the same time I also was confronted with the human impact of deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. As a biologist I am deeply concerned about the size and emergency of the climate and ecological crisis we are facing right now.
​
I also experience the daily benefits of mindfulness meditation, making me aware of the urge to take action without being overwhelmed by fear or escaping into denial. I hope to share that awareness with you through my little paintings. I believe that once we understand the full meaning and consequences of this crisis and once we are able to face it with clear insight and awareness, each one of us knows what to do.
​
I hope to help to communicate the beauty and fragility of Mother Earth in a time of extreme environmental threats.
EXHIBITIONS
ART COURSES
UPCOMING
​​
3,4,5 and 10,11,12 October 2025 - Group exhibition ''Our Darkness'' - Kunstbiënnale Prinsenhof, curator Geert Van Hijfte
​
1 May - 31 August 2025 - Group Exhibition Biënnale Natura Inspiratus, Botanical Garden Meise, organized by Cultuurvuur vzw and Botanical Garden Meise
​​
​
1-31 October 2021 - Group exhibition “Tiny expo - Oostende” organized by @jeanjacquescollective
3-4 December 2022 - Group Exhibition Kasteel Viteux, De Pinte, organized by @artpoint-Vlaanderen
10th February 2023 - Patience Gallery - Online Group Exhibition "Nature's Way"
21-23 and 28-30 April 2023 - @RADAR_20a - Solo Exhibition "A Tribute to Biodiversity"
18-21 May 2023 - Group Exhibition @walstroom, Aalst, organized by @kunstoevers
26 May - 23 June 2023 - Group Exhibition Vitrines des Voisins, Ghent, organized by Projectatelier Sint-Lucas Academy, Community team Begijnengracht and City Ghent
14 July - 3 September 2023 - Group Exhibition Buy Local 3, Ghent, organized by Kunsthal Gent
9 February - 18 February 2024 - Group Exhibition Vitrines d'Amour, Ghent, organized by Gent Linkeroever
16 February - 10 March 2024 - Group Exhibition @ Gallery ROOM 8, Gent, organized by Farida Fl
18-20 May 2024 - Group Exhibition @VTI, Aalst, organized by @kunstoevers
1 May - 30 September 2024 - Group Exhibition Biënnale Natura Inspiratus, Botanical Garden Meise, organized by Cultuurvuur vzw and Botanical Garden Meise
1 June - 31 June 2024 - Group Exhibition Vitrines des Voisins, Ghent, organized by Projectatelier Sint-Lucas Academy, Community team Begijnengracht and City Ghent
20 - 21 - 27 - 28 July 2024 - Group Exhibition @ Ferme Dehon, Frasnes-Lez-Buissenal, organized by Geneviève Van Bastelaere
2 February and 2 March 2025 - Group Exhibition @ de Weverij, www.deweverij.be/naturemorte
10 February - 26 April 2025 - Group Exhibition @ AZ Maria Middelares
24-25 May 2025 - Group Exhibition "Waterzooi" @Zilverhof Gent, curator Manon Raman​
1990-1994 - Tekenkunst @Sint-Lucas Academie (DKO) - Gent
2016-2022 - Schilderkunst @Sint-Lucas Academie (DKO) - Gent
2022-ongoing - Projectwerk @Sint-Lucas Academie
(DKO) - Gent
2023-2024 - Encaustic Painting @Essence of Mulranny
2024 - 'How artists describe plants' by Joe Walsh organized by @Berlin Art Institute
2025 - Phytography by Karl Doing organized by Atelier OFFoff @kunsthalgent
AWARDS
March 2022 - Winner open call botanicals @artrepreneur.com
October 2022 - Winner open call orange art @artrepreneur.com
PUBLICATIONS
Kunstletters #026 - 2024 - Article about my work @plantentuinmeise
​
Weefsel 2025/1 “NATURE MORTE” – Editor: Marc Mestdagh – deWeverij / MPV bv – 50 exemplaren