“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)