Ado Hamelryck (Halle, November 2, 1941–Genk, October 5, 2024) was a visual artist exploring the spectrum of dark hues. This decision is crucial in his quest for unadulterated imagery and refinement. He cultivated an entirely own character in his methodology—both physically and symbolically. The application of the black paint, ink, or substance was executed by repeated, rhythmic, and contemplative activities. Meaningless letters or symbols occupy the space. Through an extensive sequence of actions, a pristine image materializes; the artwork, and the previously meaningless, becomes significance. Ado Hamelryck pursued his education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels and the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Antwerp. In 1967, he relocated to Genk and assumed a teaching position at the newly founded SHIVKV (Municipal Higher Institute for Visual Communication and Design). Until his retirement, Ado Hamelryck instructed many generations of painters and graphic designers in figure drawing. Ado Hamelryck's artistic curriculum vitae encompasses solo exhibitions in Brussels (BOZAR, Atelier 340), Antwerp (I.C.C., Galerij XXI), Ghent (Association for the Museum of Contemporary Art), Liège (Musée d’Art Moderne), Hasselt (Provincial Museum, CIAP, ccHA), Genk (FLACC, C-mine), Lanaken, Amsterdam (Brakke Grond), The Hague, and Maastricht, among others, in addition to a multitude of group exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Numerous books exist, including 'Art in Belgium after 1945' by Karel Geirlandt and the 2011 monograph 'Not one black, but twenty-seven blacks, I guarantee you.' Ado Hamelryck received several accolades, including distinction at the Prix Jeune Peinture Belge in 1961 and 1962, encouragement from the Flemish Community in 1986, and the title of knight in the Order of Leopold II in 1988. He has the position of honorary lecturer at the LUCA School of Arts. His oeuvre is part of the collections of MuZEE Ostend, M HKA, the University of Antwerp, the Province of Limburg, the Flemish Community, the French Community, the National Bank of Brussels, KBC, and several individual collectors. HAMELRYCK ART vzw was established in 2023 by Arend Hamelryck and his spouse Diana Zaat. The non-profit organization is compiling a comprehensive inventory of all works of Ado Hamelryck and intends to delineate his career as a professional visual artist. Through this initiative, HAMELRYCK ART vzw seeks to preserve the comprehensive body of work of this artist for posterity. Ado Hamelryck has been represented by Uitstalling Art Gallery in Genk, Belgium, since 2025.