Spear is a Belgian painter based in Brussels who has been painting since 2002. Using art as a medium to convey a social and humanistic message, his work bridges both indoor and outdoor spaces. Traveling for half of the year, he has painted across numerous Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Cuba… as well as European cities including Paris, Berlin, London, and of course, Brussels. Traveling opened his eyes to diverse social realities, introducing him to alternative ways of thinking and living while prompting him to question our own lifestyles and values.

His outdoor interventions are vital to his artistic practice, serving as an icebreaker with local communities: “When I travel, painting allows me to be more than just a tourist. It builds a special bond with the locals. From there, an exchange begins where I'm not just taking from them, but giving something back. We are simultaneously teachers and students of one another, because everyone has something to teach and something to learn. All the lessons I gather along the way nurture the inspiration for my work and my life.”

Bringing large-scale portraits into the public sphere is his way of re-humanizing our cities, reminding us of the vital importance of staying connected to our feelings and emotions in a society that often risks losing its human values. The human figure has increasingly become a mere commodity, used simply as a promotional tool—an empty shell.

Spear is fascinated by the Old Masters, their mastery of technique, and the incredible narrative power of their paintings. At the same time, he draws deep inspiration from contemporary artists like Michaël Borremans, Alex Kanevsky, and Conor Harrington. His work reflects a gradual evolution from an academic background toward a more contemporary expression, shifting from controlled realism into a spontaneous, deconstructed style of painting.

Deeply committed and convinced that we all have the power to shape the world we live in, Spear launched the “Painted for Them” project in 2012. This charitable initiative aims to support people in need and break down prejudices. It is built on three core pillars: human connection, artistic creation, and a drive to transform mindsets. This project represents a key part of his artistic journey. His exhibition “Invisibles” shared the stories of twenty homeless individuals he met on the streets. All proceeds from the exhibition were donated to organizations dedicated to improving the lives of homeless people in Brussels. Most of the subjects he paints in public spaces are also homeless—a poetic gesture to bring the 'Invisibles' back into the light…