Three questions to Edmond Li Bellefroid

Edmond Li Bellefroid (b. 1987, France) is a fine art painter, illustrator and an alchemist.

Edmond is a multifaceted artist who works with a variety of mediums, including acrylic, oil, engravings, found objects, graphic design, and illustration. He expertly combines these mediums in successive layers, creating intricate and thought-provoking pieces. His art is a convergence of cultures, eras, and styles, reflecting the many levels of reality we simultaneously inhabit.

Edmond's unique perspective is deeply rooted in his diverse background. His father, a French diplomat, and his mother, the renowned Chinese painter Li Shuang, provided him with a rich cultural heritage and the foundations of his artistic education. This dual influence has shaped his artistic vision, allowing him to seamlessly blend Eastern and Western aesthetics.

In addition to his artistic upbringing, Edmond studied graphic design and honed his skills as a set designer at the prestigious Théâtre du Soleil under the guidance of Ariane Mnouchkine. This experience further enriched his creative approach, adding a theatrical dimension to his work. Edmond's art has been exhibited in numerous galleries both in France and internationally, both as solo shows and as part of collective exhibitions. His ability to navigate the interstices of different artistic disciplines and cultural influences makes his work truly distinctive and captivating.

You like to identify yourself as an “alchemist”. Could you explain a bit more the meaning behind?

The term "alchemist" might seem a bit exaggerated or loaded. By this, I do not necessarily mean to evoke the popular image, which often depicts a certain character capable of transforming lead into gold. I speak of alchemy on a symbolic level, as it suggests a kind of initiatory journey. As a painter, I use painting as a means of introspection. There is always a metaphysical dimension to my work.

What are your biggest fears?

I believe that fears fascinate us as much as they frighten us. I think that fear is merely a projection that must be experienced and overcome, for it is an illusion in the absolute sense. Very real within us but non-existent from another perspective. Easier said than done, I agree. For my part, I think the root of all our fears is the veil of death. In other words, it is the passage between two worlds or two states, regardless of whether we are atheist or believer.

Could you tell us more about the choice of your canvases’ shape, which are almost all unconventional?

In reality, I rarely use round or other shaped canvases. I am rather traditional in my approach to painting. However, in the past, round, oval, and various wooden panels, as seen in the work of Jérôme Bosch, were quite common. I enjoy drawing inspiration from them.

Our top selection of Edmond’s works