As I was biking through the city a couple of weeks ago, my eyes noticed some art at my right-hand side. Instantly, I pulled the brakes off my bike. I looked inside and discovered a new gallery 💙.

I walked in and admired some magnificent paintings. I’m not an artist myself, nor do I have any notion of art history - apart from the lessons of aesthetics in secondary school - but this makes me look at art in a very intuitive way, I guess.

My love and admiration for artists is what drives me in my work. And in life!

The employee of the gallery informed me about their aim to feature young and upcoming artists. It caught my attention that the list of artists existed only of male and quite Flemish-sounding names. So I asked why.

Her answer was rather discomforting: Art made by men simply tends to sell better.

So wow, they want to represent young artists, but only if they’re male because that makes more money? And how can art created by female artists or artists from a different cultural background even sell, if it’s never even featured in the gallery?

As I was biking home, the conversation kept repeating in my head. I was stunned, I was angry even. I had to write an email to the new gallery.

I wrote her about the role we all have as individuals. The responsibility we all bear towards positive change in society. The importance for less-privileged groups to feel represented. To get an equal chance. And the example they, as a gallery, can be in the world of art.

Up until today, I did not receive an answer.

But I hope she thought about it. And that she will take small actions. Because of small actions, that’s where change starts.

I was considering putting a super cliché quote here about being the change you want to see in this world, but Ghandi has been quoted too many times on walls of coffee houses and toilets.

Still, it is exactly that message I would want to spread: look at your actions and the consequences. Keep your eyes and ears open to people who might be disadvantaged or systematically under-represented. Be aware where you can add a little change to create a more inclusive and diverse world.

I’ll do the same.