Sophie De Zutter
Belgian, b. 1979
Works
Sophie De Zutter (1979) is a Belgian artist working with handmade paper, clay and natural pigment. She makes her own paper using traditional papermaking techniques, learned through the transmission of the craft, and builds abstract reliefs and wall works from it. A member of IAPMA, the International Association of Papermakers & Paper Artists, she has exhibited in Belgium and abroad: the solo show Paper in Harmony (Bob Manders Art Space, Oisterwijk, 2023); duo shows Stillness, Emotions and Serenity with Galerie OYAT (Hardelot, France); group shows in Brussels, Amsterdam, Knokke and Hasselt; and with The Lane at international art fairs including New York, Battersea, Vienna and Hamburg. Her work is held in private collections in Belgium and abroad.
Her materials are raw and few — paper, clay, pigment. She makes the paper herself, then lets it lead: worked wet and pressed, folded and drawn out, the surface is allowed to crack, shift and keep its own marks. Nothing is forced; the work is arrived at slowly, in layers, and the trace of that time stays visible in the relief.
The palette stays close to the materials — earthy, restrained, with quiet shifts of tone — and the compositions are minimal, an ode to simplicity. What the work asks of the viewer is patience: to read a raised edge, the fall of light across a crack, the small differences tone by tone.
"I feel deep gratitude when the material reveals itself," she says, "when it cracks, shifts, and leaves its own marks." Hers is a practice built on listening to the material rather than controlling it.
Selected exhibitions
Duo show, Stillness — Galerie OYAT, Hardelot (FR)
Group show, Knokke Art Fair — 6A Gallery, Knokke (BE)
Group show, Sablon d'Art — Brussels (BE)
Group show, Studio Piet Boon — Amsterdam (NL)
Duo show, Emotions — Galerie OYAT, Hardelot (FR)
Group show, Galerie Le Beau A Une Adresse — Brussels (BE)
Group show, Robi Interior — Hasselt (BE)
Group show, Artbeat Expo — Sint-Martens-Latem (BE)
Solo show, Paper in Harmony — Bob Manders Art Space, Oisterwijk (NL)
Duo show, Serenity — Galerie OYAT, Hardelot (FR)
Group show, Galerie Le Beau A Une Adresse — Brussels (BE)
Group show, William Boillot Gallery — Brussels (BE)
Group show — Chastre (BE)
Art fairs
2026 — Affordable Art Fair New York · Battersea · Berlin · Vienna · Hamburg
Questions for Sophie…
Favourite object?
I’m not particularly attached to one material thing in particular. Perhaps photo albums filled with precious memories.
Favourite book?
‘Kilomètre Zéro’ by Maud Ankaoua.
Favourite piece of music?
‘Listen to Your Heart’ by Roxette.
Favourite work of art?
One of my favourite works of art is “Reading Between the Lines” by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh in Borgloon, Belgium. I love its minimalist design, its transparency and the way light and landscape become part of the artwork.
Favourite building?
My favourite building is Thoronet Abbey in Provence. I love its Romanesque simplicity, the purity of its stone architecture, the subtle play of light and, above all, its extraordinary acoustics. The way sound resonates through the space creates a feeling of peace and harmony.
Favourite city?
My favourite city is Rome, for its architecture and its rich historical and cultural heritage. I also love the ‘dolce vita’ and the easy-going spirit of the Italian people, and of course the delicious Italian cuisine…
Favourite journey?
My favourite journey will hopefully be Sri Lanka, discovering its fascinating culture, ancient temples and breathtaking landscapes. I can’t wait to experience the beauty and authenticity of this beautiful island.
Favourite meal?
I love Italian food.
Favourite place to be?
My favourite place to be is on holiday with my children and my husband, simply enjoying spending time together. These are the moments I truly cherish.
What would you save from a fire?
My family.
What keeps you awake at night?
Creative ideas that keep flowing, imagining new projects to bring to life, and dreaming up beautiful spaces, architecture and interiors — sometimes keeping me awake for hours.
What is the quality you most admire in others?
Positivity. The ability to find joy in the little things, feel gratitude for life’s simple pleasures, and spread positive energy to others. I believe positivity attracts more positivity.
What is your most treasured possession?
My freedom.
Who would you most like to sit next to at dinner?
I would love to have dinner with Hildegard of Bingen. I’m fascinated by her extraordinary mind, her creativity and her deep connection with nature, music and spirituality. I would love to hear how she saw the world and what inspired her.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
I am a fan of chocolate.