A Contre Coeur at The Middelheim Museum, Antwerp

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Reinhoud of Haese was born in 1928 and passed away on July 1, 2007, in France, a Belgian sculptor, and member of the renowned CoBrA group. He initially gained recognition as a goldsmith in Brussels before attending the National School of Architecture and Decorative Arts, where he mastered metalwork sculpture techniques. In 1950, Haese joined the Marais workshops in Brussels, an incubator for emerging artists, where he actively participated in transformation workshops that welcomed various creatives. There, he formed lasting bonds with Christian Dotremont, Luc de Heusch, Alechinsky, and Hugo Claus, who would remain his artistic companions throughout his career. Following the disbandment of Ateliers du Marais, the Taptoe gallery in Brussels showcased Haese's work exclusively in 1956, earning him the prestigious Belgian Critics' Award. Inspired by insects, he created notable pieces like "Mosquito" and "Snoop," which would become characteristic of his evolving style. Haese's imagination continued to flourish as he began crafting sculptures featuring animals, plants, and characters that mirrored his fascination with the world of The Heather. His enigmatic titles, such as "It Lacks Only the Floor Must Sing in Chinese" and "Misses James and a Slice of Apple," added to the mystique surrounding his art. Throughout his career, Haese produced over 3,000 unique sculptures made from brass, copper, ceramic, wood, or even bread, showcasing his boundless creativity. His artistic vision was deeply rooted in the traditions of Brueghel and Bosch, yet infused with a sense of humor and playfulness that challenged societal norms. In 2010-2011, Haese's life work was celebrated with a comprehensive retrospective exhibition at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels, featuring an array of his sculpted works and drawings from the 1960s to the 2000s.