Meet Antonin De Bemels | Audiovisual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antonin De Bemels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was born and raised in a family of artists, so creative expression was encouraged by my parents and by the environment I grew up in. My parents both worked in Theater, my mother as an actress, writer and stage director, my father as a stage designer and painter. When we were children, my brother and I were allowed to play in our father’s workshop, and we were crafting all sort of objects, like spaceships, masks or some unlikely machines… My first ambition as an artist was to become an actor, then a film director, then a writer. It turned out that I became all of that, or rather alternative versions of all of that, and more. I didn’t become the new Steven Spielberg as planned, but I’m very proud of what I am now: a free, independent and multi-faceted artist. I use a lot of ways to express myself, including video art, poetry, sculpture, drawing, music… My goal, whatever the medium, will always be emotion, both mine and that of the public.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Soon after graduating from art school, I was lucky: I wanted to collaborate with a choreographer and I happen to come across a classified ad that said “Choreographer seeks video artist”. So I met Bud Blumenthal, an american dancer and choreographer based in Belgium, and together we created several dance and video pieces. It’s also thanks to him that I composed my first soundtrack, for the duet “Rivermen” in 1999 (for which I also designed the video scenery). Since then, my career as a video and sound artist specialised in contemporary dance shows was launched. Also, at the same time I started making experimental short films that attracted the attention of festivals around the world. I’m very proud of this success, even if it was limited to a niche. And, last but not least, it gave me the opportunity to travel a lot, mostly in Europe (Germany, Spain, Italy…) but also to Taipei, New York or Montreal, and sometimes live the high life in hotels I couldn’t afford! Now, as I focus on music making, I cannot build on this past success as video artist, but I have faith in what I do, so I’m sure I’ll eventually find my audience. And, actually, it’s already the case, thanks to platforms like Soundcloud, where I can see that people in Bangkok, Kyiv or Cairo listen to my music. And it’s not thousands of people, it’s more like… dozens, but that’s something!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Brussels were I live you should definitely spend time in bars, drinking beers (even without alcohol, as we have plenty nowadays). You should attend Theater and contemporary dance pieces in venues like Les Brigittines or Les Tanneurs. If nightlife is your thing, you should go to C12 or Fuse, or ask your Belgian friends about all these underground places only known by the locals… If you like to go to concerts, I recommend Atelier 210 or Le Brass.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, Jean-Claude De Bemels and Catherine Simon, always supported me in all my creative attempts. My mother and also my uncle Pascal defined my love for music, which is my main passion since my teenage years. And all the books I read, all the movies I saw, all the exhibitions I visited, all the concerts I attended have shaped me, so thanks to all the creators of the world!

Website: https://antonindebemels.bandcamp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonindb

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@antonindb