Sylvain Cosijns

SYLVAIN COSIJNS

In collaboration with COLOR Studio/ Collection Museum Dr. Guislain

At Wit.h vzw, the word outsider is rarely used, as it suggests exclusion, being pushed to the margins. But in Sylvain Cosijns’ case, the term fits. The time he was born in, the conditions in which he grew up, and the way he survived until the age of 54 make it unavoidable.

Sylvain’s story is gripping. He grew up in an environment where no one had heard of support for people with disabilities. He would hide behind the stove, curled up on a chair when visitors came. It wasn’t until the 1970s that electricity reached the house. The neighbours eventually raised the alarm. In 1986, Sylvain was taken in by Mariaheem. There, he finally had access to a bed, a bath, and to paper and drawing materials. Over the age of 50, he began building a world full of fascinating figures.

Gradually, a great artistic talent unfolded. Until his passing in 2020, Sylvain developed into a striking artist whose work has been exhibited both at home and abroad.

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