Artist - Johan van Tongelen

Johan is a 54-year-old artist from Belgium who only started creating art four years ago. Originally working as a sculptor, he has recently also explored the canvas, sometimes even with color. While he used to work strictly in black and white, he has now become increasingly open to experimenting with color.

This development speaks volumes about his own story. Five years ago, Johan went through a difficult time, with a turbulent childhood, traumas, fears, and experiences that still haunt him in the present. He was admitted to an institution for a year. Art became an essential tool for him to process: he credits it with accounting for as much as 80% of his recovery.

He created this art mainly at the Facktorij in Zoersel, a warm initiative that helps people in their recovery by making art (together).

Today, he is grateful for his family—his wife and two children—and sees that life can be different. This sock design marks a new phase for Johan: it has opened doors for him, both literally and figuratively. By working on this design, he has begun to allow even more color into his art and his life.