A different side of one of Belgium’s foremost 20th-century artists is on display in a new exhibition running until 3rd January 2026, giving visitors the chance to discover the stained-glass artwork of Jean-Michel Folon.
Described by curators as “an exclusive artistic and spiritual exploration” and taking place at the Famenne Art Museum (FAM) in Marches-en-Famenne, the show highlights the stained glass windows that Folon created for venues as far and wide as Saint-Etienne Church in Waha, Saint-Amand Church in Burcy, Chapel of the White Penitents in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel in Monaco.
From the initial stages of each project to the final masterpieces, visitors will see the watercolours and full-scale working templates that allowed multidisciplinary Folon to develop each piece.
Having started life as an industrial designer, Folon went on to become a prolific illustrator, as well as mastering a wide range of art forms and media. Aside from illustrations and stained glass, his body of work includes murals, set design, and sculpture. He developed a specialism in watercolour and silk printing, able to produce sought-after colour fade techniques.
Not only technically accomplished but a humanitarian, Folon showcased his lifelong concern for human rights through the playful use of recognisable motifs, notably the Blue Man, a hat-wearing, solitary figure, as well as a briefcase, bubbles, boats, and machines. His work appeared in international publications such as The New Yorker and Time magazine, as well as illustrating major titles by Kafka, H.G. Wells, and Ray Bradbury.
Towards the end of his life, Folon sought to gather 500 pieces in one place to establish a Fondation with a charitable mission. The latest stained-glass show is in partnership with the Fondation Folon, which has published a second Cahier de Folon devoted to the medium, as well as producing a short film entitled Folon et l’art du vitrail. Rencontre avec Bruno Loire (Folon and the art of stained glass. Meeting with Bruno Loire.)
The film will be shown in the FAM exhibition, and the Cahier is available at the Fondation Folon and FAM art shops. “Both the Cahier and film highlight Folon’s extraordinary creativity in the ancient art of stained glass, while introducing viewers to its secrets,” the Fondation says.
The organisers also want viewers to get out and about. Just a half-hour walk from FAM, the small village church of Saint-Etienne de Waha is “backlit at dusk, giving an unprecedented view of Folon’s stained glass windows from the outside.”
The exhibition is part of 2025’s commemorations and celebrations, marking not only the 20th anniversary of Folon’s death and the inauguration of Waha’s windows in 2005, but also the 975th anniversary of the church itself.
