° 19/03/1973, Ostend
This versatile Belgian artist, art historian, and author decided at the age of 25 to dedicate himself entirely to mapping out the graphic work of Léon Spilliaert and the painted oeuvre of James Ensor. His years of research resulted in 1992 in the first “reasoned catalogue” of Ensor’s oil paintings, which was expanded in 2009 with recently discovered works. In addition to his work as an art historian, Tricot is an active painter and writer himself. His paintings have been exhibited both domestically and internationally, and his literary works range from poetry to fiction and theatre plays.
In 2012, he donated his entire art collection, consisting of 71 works, to the city of Ostend. This “Xavier Tricot Collection” is housed in the Art Museum by the Sea (Mu.ZEE) and forms a valuable addition to the existing collection. Tricot is also active as a curator of exhibitions and the James Ensor House and has contributed to various publications and catalogues about Ensor and Spilliaert. His profound knowledge and passion for art have made him a prominent figure in the Belgian art world.
