Growing up in the midst of World War II’s darkness and chaos, my life’s journey was marked by the destruction of life, property, and nature. I saw the hopelessness in my parents’ eyes every day, but I also witnessed their resolute strength, alongside the resilience of my generation, who clung to hope for a better world even amid conflicts. We found the strength to perceive beauty and light in the most unexpected corners. We found solace in the rising and setting sun, and the comforting presence of the moon and stars that lit up our nights during those tough times, assuring us that better days were ahead.

These experiences shaped my life and my beliefs as I grew older. It’s no surprise that nature and its connection to human existence became the central theme of my artwork. As a young adult, I found myself surrounded by the vibrant forms and colors of the forests, and these experiences found their way onto my canvases.

Although I’m best known for my monumental portrait, The Liberation of Nelson Mandela (1996), which hangs in the United Nations, my work reveals another dimension of my art – a deep immersion in nature within my immediate environment, the woodlands of Southeastern Connecticut. My paintings are a celebration of nature’s beauty – the play of light and color from sunrise to nightfall, and even the decaying, yet beautiful world of fungi, which also highlights the pressing need to heal our fragile environment.

Alongside this, my art consistently weaves in themes of unity, peace, cultural diversity, and global harmony – ideals that were missing during my formative years.

Through my art, I convey a message that transcends borders and barriers, calling for hearts and minds to unite, and encouraging viewers to embrace diversity and work towards a world where unity wins over division.

With numerous annual art exhibitions spanning years in Belgium and a recent showcase at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut, I’m confident that my work serves as a reminder of our role as caretakers of the Earth and ambassadors of peace, unity, and togetherness.

I believe that when given this opportunity, future exhibitions will continue to reinforce the idea that we have the power to create a better world if we seize the moment.

Jan Beekman is a seasoned Artist who focuses on nature, cultural diversity,  global harmony and peace. With nearly four decades of rich experience in professional artwork and painting, Beekman explores beyond traditional and local boundaries and finds new opportunities in painting with his artistic works revealing his roots and the dark Era of World War II.

Although he is best known for his monumental portrait, The Liberation of Nelson Mandela (1996), which hangs in the United Nations, his professional art career dates back to the late 1950s until the early 1960s when he g g yworked for BRT (Belgian Television) to construct sets.

EXHIBITIONS:

2021: Open Exhibition, Inside the Natural World of Jan Beekman, Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London, Connecticut

From 2018 – 2021: Open Exhibition, A Global Warning, Jan Beekman Foundation  Building, Beauvoorde, Verne, Belgium.

10/23 – 12/11/1994: Open Exhibition in Chicago.

PROJECT: The establishment of the Jan Beekman Foundation established in Brussels, Belgium  dedicated to producing inspiring and creative works of art that illustrate the principles of unity, peace, cultural diversity, and global harmony, and with a core mandate to preserve and promote the unique art works and paintings of its Founder. 

AWARDS: Certificate of Recognition, for Contributing to Protect The Most Incredible and Threatened Places and Species Around the World.

Jan Beekman is an internationally recognized artist with a rich and evolving artistic career spanning

several decades. A graduate of the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Beekman initially

engaged in political activism before dedicating himself to creative pursuits, first as a freelance

scenographer for Belgian National Television, BRT, and major theaters in Brussels and Flanders.

This early experience in set design, working with space and light, undoubtedly shaped his artistic

sensibilities, even as his focus shifted. In the 1970s, Beekman made a pivotal decision to

concentrate on painting, developing a distinctive abstract style marked initially by darker palettes

and an emphasis on space and light, directly reflecting his background in scenography.

A significant turning point in his career came with his move to the United States in the mid-1980s.

It was during this period that he painted his arguably most famous work, the portrait of Nelson

Mandela (1990), a powerful piece that now resides at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

This achievement underscores Beekman’s capacity to capture profound human experiences through

his art. Since 1997, Beekman has resided and worked in rural Connecticut, finding inspiration in the

natural world. His work has evolved to incorporate a deeper engagement with nature, often explored

through an abstract lens. Beekman’s artistic journey has also encompassed socio-political

commentary, evident in works like “Chorus for Peace,” a profound statement against war.”Endless Voyage” invites viewers to contemplate fundamental questions about our existence and the

role of art in an imperfect world, echoing the artist’s own inquiries into the perception of our

relationship with life and the universe. The exhibition showcases Beekman’s ongoing evolution as

an artist, reflecting his continuous exploration of new ideas and forms, as suggested by his

statement, “My art is always evolving, by thinking what to paint next.” Inspired by the beauty and

innovative combination of abstract and figuration found in Navajo Art, Beekman’s recent works in

“Endless Voyage” demonstrate his own unique approach to blending these elements. While

Beekman is drawn to the formal interplay between abstraction and representation in Navajo art, this

tradition also carries deep spiritual and cultural significance, adding another layer to his source of

inspiration.

The title “Endless Voyage” itself suggests a continuous journey of artistic discovery and

philosophical exploration, mirroring Beekman’s own life and creative trajectory, from his early

abstract works to his engagement with figuration and socio-political themes. This notion of an

unending journey aligns with Beekman’s own statement about his art always evolving, implying a

lifelong commitment to artistic exploration. Beekman’s time in America has provided a new

landscape for his artistic adventure, as he states, “America gave me adventure in painting.” This

sense of exploration and discovery is palpable in the works presented in “Endless Voyage.” The

exhibition also subtly raises questions about the meaningfulness of art and the pursuit of perfection

in an imperfect world, prompting viewers to consider the artist’s own reflections: “Meaningfulness

of art, as a painter is the message important?” and “Why make a perfect painting while we do not

live in a perfect world?”