Gilberte DUMONT (Montignies-sur-Sambre, 1910-1989)

Fascinated by the Flemish Primitives and the Italian Renaissance, Gilberte Dumont created a universe rich in detail and charisma.

This paradoxical body of work is the result of the touchingly naïve look that the artist gave to the subjects and objects in the work. It is also the result of a disciplined and acute sense of observation, which sometimes generates an atmosphere heavy in mystery. Gilberte Dumont's world is sometimes familiar, featuring the reassuring regularity of small miners' cottages, the simplicity of the moments spent with the family, the bitter-sweet nostalgia of precious moments. It is also sometimes misleading as witnessed in the austere presence of unknown characters, landscapes suddenly awash with incongruous patterns, unexpected scenes where strange ceremonies take place, etc.

The "Art vivant au pays de Charleroi" Association (1933-1939) was to play an important role in the rise of the arts. The founders include Gilberte Dumont and Alphonse Darville, Camus , Chavepeyer, Delmotte, Degrange, Martin, Moos, Mulliez, Wasterlain.