Meet Sofie, director of Gallery Sofie Van de Velde

After twenty years in the social sector, she made a career shift back to the art world. What started as a personal decision to support her father has now grown into a thriving gallery for contemporary art.

"I started my gallery about thirteen years ago, initially from my home," Sofie tells. "I wanted to start low-profile to figure out if this was truly something for me." The decision to open her own gallery stemmed from her desire to continue working with people, something she had deeply embraced in her previous career as a social worker. "My father has always conducted extensive research into art from the last century, but my passion lies in guiding people and supporting artists in their creative journeys. I wanted to create an open atmosphere and lower the barriers. Art should be accessible to everyone.”

Wunderwall

A project that began about five years ago. Inspired by the wunderwall from centuries ago, she created a wall where emerging artists could present their pieces in a collage-like display. "The idea arose from the general frustration with the lack of platforms for young artists to showcase their work." The Wunderwall is a dedicated wall in the gallery where emerging artists can exhibit their pieces. “It’s the first thing you see when you enter the gallery—a kind of love at first sight,” she explains. Works are affordable, never exceeding 1,500 euros, and artists are given a space to share their stories."

Space

She describes her gallery as a "haven" where artists can dock. "Many artists need a place where they can come with questions or uncertainties. That’s what I want to provide." Additionally, she is determined to make the art world more accessible to a broader audience. With an integrated bookstore, films, and YouTube channels, she seeks to demystify the art world. “People should be able to walk in without prior knowledge but also have the opportunity to dive deep into what they see.” The gallery’s layout plays a vital role in her work. “Each exhibition requires a unique approach,” she explains. “Some artists work with models or maquettes, while others are more intuitive. My role is to find balance while respecting the limitations of the space.”