BIOGRAPHY
Biography of Erika Cool
Erika Cool is a Belgian artist of Dutch origin. She has always been fascinated by colour, aesthetics and the world of art.
These elements and her studies in fashion design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht form the basis for the creation of her works of art. Her short career as a photographic model, model and actress also influences her artistic creations to this day.
Twenty years' experience in her lettering and advertising business, which she founded in 1982, have made her the artist she is today. Over the course of twenty years, she has taken part in various productions for brands such as L'Oréal, Moulinsart, the cover of the 'Tintin' exhibition in Tibet, Rosmarin, Marsupilami, Boule & Bill... She has used brushes, airbrushes, projectors, digital printers, cutting robots, etc.
to produce the graphics for her various projects. Existing techniques such as glazing are applied to the digital print, and she sometimes adds elements to it, giving surprising results. During this period, she made friends with Edmond Jamoulle, the last surviving film artist, who taught her a few painting principles.
She would sometimes paint or draw on sensitive subjects such as the attack on the Bataclan or, through premonition, the covid virus, and also under the effect of anger or mockery. All this often with a connotation of sexual derision.Her mentors were without hesitation Felix Labisse and Alain Aslan, both of whom she admires deeply.In 2022, as a tribute to her friend Brigitte Lahaie, she created her first ‘POP ART’ self-portrait of the actress. Following this experience, she embarked on a complete series in her likeness, which she exhibited in Paris in may 2024 at the launch of her latest book: Lahaie par Brigitte. Since then, she has not stopped and has created her own glamorous POP-realist style. Her narrative approach and cultural references reinforce her style.
Blending realism and pop art, Erika Cool explores the light of emotions through iconic and expressive faces. Inspired by contemporary culture, fashion, and music, she creates a bridge between timeless glamour and visual modernity.
“I love painting the inner light of women, that intensity that you don't always see but can feel.” – Erika Cool