Born and raised in the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Brussels, Paula Raiglot defines herself not only by her origins but by her multidisciplinary approach to art and her commitment to social awareness. Her credo, “Are You Awake?”, challenges individuals to confront the pressing issues of today’s world. Like the diverse capital she calls home, Paula’s art spans various mediums, reflecting both her attachment to Belgium and her understanding of society’s constant evolution. Through her work, she seeks to inspire reflection and raise consciousness, channeling her energy and passion into sparking change.

I met Paula Raiglot a few days ago at her exhibition at the Brussels Art Square. This annual art show brings together 70 galleries, showcasing 10,000 years of art history, right in the heart of Brussels’ Sablon, the city’s most exclusive and chic neighborhood.
Having seen some of Paula’s work before, I seized this perfect opportunity to explore more of her creations. Her art is expressive, powerful, and eclectic. She navigates fearlessly between large-scale portraits, painted with confident brushstrokes, and bold abstract compositions brimming with vibrant colors and geometric shapes. But her artistic scope extends far beyond these. Paula delves into various mediums—sculpture, lithography, “Raiglogramme,” installations, and even jewelry.
When I arrived at her studio, Paula welcomed me with a generous smile. The building, typical of Brussels’ stylish and distinguished architecture, reflected both her family’s origins and her own cosmopolitan identity. Born into a successful Bruxelloise family of international traders, Paula’s curiosity about people, travel, and the world blossomed from an early age. Like her parents, she ventured into the business world, creating her own company and establishing herself as a successful businesswoman in a field not always easy for women to navigate. Paula’s elegance and grace leave a lasting impression; meeting her feels like reconnecting with someone you’ve known all your life.
But what about her art? When did this vocation enter her life?
Before diving into her artistic journey, I return briefly to the day of my visit. We ascended the stairs, where, at the top, an illuminated installation underfoot bore the question: “Are you awake?” This thought-provoking question felt like an alarm bell. At first glance, I believed that because I was walking and alert, I was indeed awake. Yet, reflection quickly followed.
Was I truly awake?
And what about others who encountered this question? Were they awake?









Exploring Paula’s portraits reveals more than their grand dimensions and meticulous technique. Full of vibrant colors, fractures, and details, they invite you into their emotional world. These artworks convey raw, primary emotions that seem to open a window into the psychology of the characters they depict—artists, politicians, athletes, even royalty. It’s a journey into human psychology, expressed through Paula’s bold, penetrating style.
Her studio, a space filled with canvases, easels, sketches, and paints, embodies the ongoing flow of creative energy. Some works are left in the middle of the process, others waiting to be brought to life. Of course, what else would you expect from an artist’s studio? Paula’s sensitivity and depth of feeling are apparent in everything she does. Her emotional side shines through in her latest works, where geometric shapes and bursts of color mirror her internal state.
“It was a calling,” Paula says, reflecting on her transition to art after her years as a businesswoman. “I was sick, with a lot of anger, anxiety, and stress inside me. Art helped me channel all those feelings—onto canvas, paper, or whatever medium I could find.”
At the age of 40, Paula made a life-changing decision. She left her job and pursued formal art education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels and later in Charleroi. Her technical skills flourished further at New York’s Art Student League. Since 2005, her participation in the art world has been constant and prolific.
But what is art in the end? Do we need it?
These are questions many ask, especially today as we live in a world shaped by virtual realities that have profoundly altered our perception. We exist in a Matrix-like state, captured by the endless pull of new communication technologies. In the wrong hands, this power can be misused, breeding violence and aggression. Paula sees this imbalance and urges reflection. Her art teases us with the fractures of today’s reality, as if it were a red pill inviting us to see the truth that technology’s speed and noise obscure.
“Technological development is already influencing art. Look at AI’s growing impact, and this is just the beginning. What happens when AI starts to make decisions with its own logic?” Paula wonders. “AI could change the course of art, but when I think of the miracles humans have created with their hands, in marble or paint, I still marvel at our achievements.”
Paula’s works are proof that art has the power to make us more human, and ultimately, happier. Through her art, she raises questions that challenge our understanding of the world. It’s not just about spiritual pleasure or solutions to everyday problems. Art makes us reflect, and by posing questions, it pushes us to see reality from a new perspective. In doing so, it opens intellectual horizons and heightens our awareness of true human values.
* To explore more of Paula’s work and her latest exhibitions, visit: paularaiglot.be or her Instagram @paula_raiglot