ABOUT
Mattias De Leeuw (born in 1989) is a Belgian based artist and author. He studied illustrative design at Sint Lucas in Antwerp. In 2011, he graduated with the wordless picture book 'De steltenloper' (The Stilt Walker) that marked the beginning of a broad and evolving practice.
Trained as an illustrator, Mattias developed a distinct visual language rooted in gesture, observation, and quiet emotion. His paintings are characterized by fluid brushstrokes, rhythmic line work, and an intimate sensitivity to the human figure.
Whether working for publishers, galleries or personal projects, he explores themes of memory, presence, and identity.
CONTACT
AWARDS & NOMINEES
'Boekenpluim' by boek.be (Belgium) 2012 for De steltenloper.
'Golden palette' by CPNB in 2017 for Circusnacht.
'Eervolle vermelding Jenny Smelik IBBY prijs' for Azizi en de kleine blauwe vogel.
'Coup de couer des grand parents' by (Festival Rouen FR) for Aziz et le petit oiseau bleu
Nomination 'Deutscher Jugend literaturpreis' 2015 for Lena und das geheimnis der blauen hirsche.
'White Raven' 2017 by Deutsche Jugendbibliothek for Prinz Hayo der Glucklichen.
'Gulden Palet' 2017 for Circusnacht by CPNB.
Longlisted 'De Boon' 2022 for Het Baboemeisje.
Longlisted 'De Boon' 2022 for Later als ik groot ben.
Selected for 'The Original art' by the Society of illustrators NY for Later when I'm big.
'Bachelder Honor Book 2024' by American Library Association for Later when I'm big.
EXHIBITIONS
Solo exhibition - GENK LIBRARY Belgium - 2014
Part of 'Licht aus!' - STATISCHE GALLERIE ROSENHEIM Germany - 2018
Part of groupexhibition 'De Zee' - VILLA VERBEELDING Belgium - 2023
The original Art exhibition 2023 - SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS New York - 2023
Part of groupexhibition 'Paris est une fête' - UN JOUR UNE ILLUSTRATION Paris - 2024
Swing - PHILIPPE LABAUNE GALLERY New York - 2024
Solo exhibition - CC ASSE Belgium - 2025
Solo exhibition - GALLERY 2112 Copenhagen - 2025