“I’m interested in the painting of portraits because faces are not processed by the brain as mere objects but spontaneously interact with the viewer. Everyday, we automatically perceive a multitude of faces. Each of them gives us both a sense of familiarity and strangeness” says, Sandrine Astier.

Sandrine Astier is a Brussels based painter whose series of musicians’ portraits caught my attention. I like to add visual elements to complement the listening experience but it also works the other way around so I asked Sandrine to compile a set featuring her favorite tracks from the artists that she painted… The soundtrack to her paintings. Make sure to check the painting / track list below.

“I hope you will be carried away by the musical rhythms and colours as much as I was when I represented them on canvas. Thanks for listening!”

Next exhibitions:
APDM, Rue de Flandre 92 – 1000 Brussels, from 31 March to 6 April 2012
L’amour fou, Chaussée d’Ixelles 185 – 1050 Brussels, from 5 April to 4 May 2012
De Kleine Hedonist, Sint-Jacobsmarkt 34 – 2000 Anvers, from 19 April to 19 May 2012
APDM, Avenue Jean Volders 42 – 1060 Brussels, from 5 May to 1 June 2012
KiLi Galerie, rue de la Samaritaine 18 – 1000 Brussels, from 5 to 27 July 2012
KiLi Galerie, rue de la Samaritaine 18 – 1000 Brussels, from 13 Sept to 5 Oct. 2012

More info: www.sandrineastier.com – download Sandrin’s portofolio.

Leon Thomas – American avant-garde jazz singer who collaborated with Pharoah Sanders
55.1 in x 55.1 in – Mixed media on canvas.  © pic by Sandrine Astier (2011)

Ramsey Lewis – American jazz composer & pianist.
55.1 in * 55.1 in – Mixed media on canvas. © pic by Emilie Danel (2011)

Herbie Hancock – American pianist, band leader and composer
39.4 x 39.4 in – Mixed media on canvas © pic by Sandrine Astier (2011)

Roy Ayers – American funk, soul, and jazz composer and vibraphone player
39.4 x 39.4 in – Mixed media on canvas.© pic by Emilie Danel (2011)

Don Blackman – American jazz-funk pianist, singer, songwriter.
39.4 x 63 in – Mixed media on canvas.© pic by Emilie Danel – 2011

Betty Davis – American funk, rock and soul singer.
23.6 x 78.7 in – Ink, acrylic paint on canvas.© pic by Sandrine Astier (2011)

Marlena Shaw – American Jazz, Funk, Soul & Disco singer
31.5 x 15.7 in – Ink, acrylic paint on canvas.© pic by Emile Danel (2011)

Amy Winehouse  - British singer, songwriter and author of jazz, blues and soul.
55.1 x 35.4 in – Coloured pencil, paint marker, ink, acrylic paint on canvas. © pic by Emilie Danel (2011)

Georgia Anne Muldrow – American hiphop, soul, funk singer and musician
15.7 x 31.5 in Mixed media on canvas.© pic by Emilie Danel (2011)

Erykah Badu  - American funk,hip hop, jazz and soul singer.
15.7 x 31.5 in – Mixed media on canvas.© pic by Emilie Danel (2011)

Asha Puthli – Indian-born singer, songwriter, producer and actress.
31.5 x 15.7 in – Ink, acrylic paint on canvas. © pic by Emilie Danel (2011)

Ursula Rucker Singer and performance poet.
27.6 x 31.5 in – Paint marker, ink, acrylic paint on canvas.© pic by Michael Deplain (2009)

Betty Davis – American funk, rock and soul singer.
31.5 x 15.7 in – Ink, acrylic paint on canvas. © pic by Sandrine Astier (2011)