Belgian artist Eric Legrain has spent three decades turning the humble fry stand into works of art, painting nostalgic tributes to what he considers an essential part of Belgian cultural heritage. The 60-year-old artist, born in Namur in 1963 and raised in Liège, has been living in the small village of Beho, just beyond the language border near St. Vith, since he first found genuine artistic support there 30 years ago.
"An artist's life isn't easy - certainly not every day," Legrain explains from his studio, reflecting on his unconventional journey. Originally intending to move to the German-speaking community of Belgium where he received his first real artistic encouragement, he ended up settling in the wrong village by mistake. "Well, it's not so bad," the artist chuckles, his affection for the German-speaking Belgians remaining strong despite the geographical mix-up.
This cross-cultural appreciation manifests distinctly in his artwork, particularly in his spelling choices. Legrain deliberately incorporates German linguistic elements into his paintings, always including an umlaut "Ü" in the signage above the fry stands he depicts. "I favor the German-speaking Belgians because when I write 'Fritüure' on the canvas, I always write a 'u' with an umlaut first. That's how it should be. My favorites come first," he explains with characteristic directness.
Legrain's artistic philosophy centers on authenticity and personal connection to his subjects. "I paint fry stands because: whoever likes roses paints roses. Whoever likes fries paints fry stands. You should give the public what you yourself love. That's honest and sincere," he states. His approach to painting mirrors his speaking style - honest, expressive, and tinged with gentle humor, transforming what might seem mundane into profound expressions of personal identity.
The inspiration for his fry stand paintings stems from cherished childhood memories with his father. Every Sunday, they would drive together to the Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit, and on the return journey, they would invariably stop for fries. These roadside establishments became permanently etched in his memory, forming the foundation for his artistic obsession. "Back then, the fry stands were sometimes pretty shabby, but through some kind of magic, the fries were incredibly delicious," Legrain reminisces.
For the artist, these humble establishments represent far more than simple food vendors - they embody the soul of Belgian culture. "This is Belgian cultural heritage. Unfortunately, it's slowly being lost. There aren't many authentic fry stands left today," he observes with evident concern. He views fry stands as the gourmet temples of Belgium's national dish, places that nurture the Belgian spirit with their sometimes surreal, often quirky, but fundamentally warm-hearted character.
The democratic nature of fry stands particularly appeals to Legrain's artistic sensibilities. "Anyone can go into a fry stand - no matter where they come from. A fry stand is there for everyone," he concludes, highlighting the egalitarian spirit that these establishments represent in Belgian society.
Legrain's upcoming exhibition in Eupen will showcase primarily previously unseen works, including abstract paintings that demonstrate the full range of his artistic capabilities beyond his famous fry stand series. The opening reception at Gallery Fox is scheduled for November 28 at 6 p.m., with free admission. Following the opening, the exhibition will be open to the public every weekend during Advent season, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., starting November 29.
