Jef Verheyen (1932–1984) was a Belgian painter known for his dedication to exploring light, color, and perception through abstract and minimalist art. Associated with the Zero movement and a pioneer of the Belgian avant-garde, Verheyen aimed to capture the intangible qualities of light and the purity of color in his work. His paintings are often marked by subtle gradations and seamless color transitions that create a sense of depth and evoke a meditative, almost transcendental experience for viewers.
Born in Itegem, Belgium, Verheyen studied decorative arts and later developed a unique approach to painting that blended influences from movements like Minimalism and Geometric Abstraction. His work frequently emphasized refined color fields and soft gradients, inviting viewers to engage with his paintings as immersive experiences. Verheyen often referred to his art as an “adventure in color,” intending to challenge conventional ways of seeing and evoke a heightened awareness of perception.