In the world of South East Asia’s contemporary art, Christian Develter’s name has become synonymous with bold color palettes, intricate patterns, and a deep exploration of cultural narratives. Yet, it is his personal journey which feels his work with life.

Since the mid-1990s, the Belgian-born artist has lived and worked across the orient, translating his global travels into vibrant works capturing the strength and spirit of the people and cultures he encounters.

The inspirations

Christian Develter’s story begins in Blankenberge, a small Belgian coastal town, where he was born in 1968. However, it wasn’t long before his path took him far beyond his hometown. His love for art led him to study at the prestigious Ghent Art School.

Soon afterwards, he made a detour into the world of fashion, training at the Antwerp Fashion Academy, which created some of the most notable designers of our time.

“The Antwerp Academy was a revelation,” Christian recalls. “It taught me how to see the world differently – how to combine precision with creativity. Even though I eventually realized that fashion wasn’t my ultimate passion, those lessons have stayed with me. They’ve shaped the way I approach my paintings.”

Christian’s artistic style is rooted in the techniques of the classical Flemish masters, but he infuses it with contemporary energy through his use of bold and vibrant colors combined with abstract geometry.

“I’m always experimenting with light, space, and form. For me, the painting process is about how color interacts with emotion – how it can create a connection with the viewer on a deeper level,” he explains.

The signature series

Two of Christian’s most renowned works are the Cigar Series and the Chin Series, both of which are deeply influenced by his travels and exploration of diverse cultures.

“It’s about power, charisma, and presence,” he explains. “I wanted to capture how certain individuals can command attention with their mere presence. The cigar is almost incidental – it’s the energy of the person that matters,” he described about the Cigar Series.

It is in the Chin Series that Christian’s cultural immersion truly shines. Inspired by the tattooed women of Myanmar’s Chin tribe, this series tells the story of strength, identity, and evolution. 

“When I first saw these women, I was struck by the sheer beauty of their faces, not in a conventional sense, but because their tattoos told stories. I wanted to explore how tradition interacts with modernity, and how these women embody both,” he says.

The projects

Christian has maintained a strong connection to the fashion industry through various collaborations. In 2013, he teamed up with the famous Thai design duo, Tube Gallery, to create Chin Unmasked, a fashion collection inspired by his Chin Series. The collection was then presented to the King and Queen of Belgium.

His collaborations have extended to a number of international brands, including Siglo, Samaroli, and Stella Artois. Looking ahead, Christian has a particularly exciting project on the horizon: an exclusive collaboration with London’s prestigious Sautter Cigar House. Set for 2025, the project will see him designing vintage Louis Vuitton humidor trunks.

“I’ve always had a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Whether it’s painting or working with luxury brands, I value the attention to detail that goes into creating something truly special,” Christian reflects.

With a number of international collaborations in the pipeline and an ever-growing demand for his work, Christian stays true to his vision of “telling stories that resonate with people everywhere.” His own home now is the Develter Gallery in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The new vibrant art space in Siem Reap brings together a full comprehensive collection and immersive experience to view all of Christian’s signature works from his original oil painting, limited edition lithograph collections, fashion collections and more.

For more detail, visit www.christiandevelter.com.