a cocurated project
by Joanna De Vos and Melania Rossi

An encounter between works by Italian and Belgian artists, in two different paths but united by a single, intriguing, interpretation:  "nose for art"

“ Everything is first perceived by the nose, everything is within the nose, the world is the nose.”

— Excerpted from Italo Calvino’s The Name, The Nose

From Saturday March 25th, Palazzo Merulana, in synergy with Fondazione Elena and Claudio Cerasi and CoopCulture, invites its visitors to the exhibition “Nasi per l’arte", conceived and curated by Joanna De Vos and Melania Rossi. Until May 21 st, a selection of more than 50 works will connect Italian and Belgian art in an original, playful, unexpected way, according to an unusual fil rouge: the nose!

“Nasi per l’arte” is not just about "noses as shapes or sense of smell". Instead, it wants to stimulate a reflection on the metaphorical meaning that this organ, the first to develop in the womb, a hereditary and identity trait that represents the primal instinct. A metaphor for “having a nose”, for an immediate approach to things, “sensing” them even before seeing them.

The nose is synonymous with one of our five senses, the most animal and instinctive,  one which can determine attraction or repulsion.  There is a deep relation between nose and remembrance. The sense of smell triggers thoughts and evokes memories - even involuntarily. This is the so-called Proust Effect.

In years of collaborations, curators De Vos and Rossi, Belgian and Italian respectively, have been engaged in analyzing how Italians and Belgians share a "nose for art" on an aesthetic and conceptual level, and how artists follow their "nose," like also passionate collectors or experts curators of exhibitions  in other respects.

“Nasi per l’arte was born from the encounter between two curatorial noses - explain the two curators - Curators are creators but they create by mixing sources and voices, often including their own. We look for connections that others might not see immediately, embrace the unusual, and explore the unexpected. We found unexpected similarities and specific differences, which we want to reveal in this exhibition. Although diverse, Italy and Belgium are culturally similar in their instinctive approach and ability to be ironical (“lead by the nose”), to improvise (“follow one’s nose”), and always ready to be in the game.

the two exhibition PATHS

First of all, the exhibition proposes juxtapositions between Italian and Belgian art of early 20th century through the connection between the Cerasi Collection, permanently at Palazzo Merulana, in particular with pictorial and sculptural works from the 1920s to the 1940s, and a selection of Belgian works from the same period, lent by Belgian private collectors and some institutions.

Artists such as René Magritte, Léon Spilliaert, Paul Joostens, Constant Permeke will dialogue with Giorgio De Chirico, Francesco Trombadori, Antonio Donghi, Antonietta Raphael…

The exhibition project is in harmony with Elena and Claudio Cerasi collection. Put together over the years with a real passion for art, the collection is not abided to strict rules; indeed, it sometimes revalues lesser-known artists of the past or displays rare works by famous masters in dialogue with contemporary authors.

A nonlinear approach, where instinct and nose have always been the driving force, perfectly in tune with “Nasi per l’arte” project.

The second path choice in the exhibition involves nine contemporary Belgian and as many Italian artists, whose works celebrate, challenge, and invite reflection on the nose, senses and art. From Peter De Cupere's "Olfactory self-portrait" (one of his famous scratch & sniff painting), to Maurizio Cattelan's untitled self-portrait, who in his "Unauthorized Autobiography," writes: "When I was a newborn, they were very disappointed. I already had an adult nose”.
And also drawings, paintings, sculptures, sculptural, reanimated cinema, video works, photographs, artworks that revive tradition and mythology or inquire into the human condition… spreading their fragrances into the halls of the precious Palazzo Merulana.

ARTISTS IN EXHIBIT

 Contemporary artists:

Francis Alÿs, Francesco Arena, Michaël Borremans, Maurizio Cattelan, Michael Dans, Laura de Coninck, Peter de Cupere, Jan Fabre, Mariana Ferratto, Thomas Lerooy, Emiliano Maggi, Sofie Muller, Luigi Ontani, Daniele Puppi,  Anna Raimondo, Marta Roberti, Yves Velter, Serena Vestrucci.

Lent works by Belgian artists of early 20^th century:

Jos Albert, Pierre-Louis Flouquet, Robert Giron, Oscar Jespers, Paul Joostens, René Magritte, George Minne, Constant Permeke, Léon Spilliaert, Marcel Stobbaerts, Henri Van Straten, Fernand Wery.

In dialogue with artists already in the collection:

Giacomo Balla, Duilio Cambellotti, Felice Casorati, Giorgio de Chirico, Antonio Donghi, Ercole Drei, Riccardo Francalancia, Guglielmo Janni, Leoncillo Leonardi, Arturo Martini, Fausto Pirandello, Antonietta Raphael, Francesco Trombadori, Alberto Ziveri

The exhibition is documented by a catalog, published by Bruno Devos at Stockmans Art Books with texts by Joanna De Vos and Melania Rossi, Giacinto Di Pietrantonio, and Caro Verbeek.

Details of the exhibition:
Curated by Joanna De Vos
Dates: 13 May – 25 September 2022
Several locations in Namur: Le Delta, Musée Félicien Rops, Musée des Arts Anciens, Belgian Gallery

From a family history related to the circus, I chose this world of wonder as a theme. Fascinated by modern masterpieces inspired on circus, and building on close connections with contemporary artists, the desire arose to invite artists to create a self-portrait as a clown. A question that was answered with enthusiasm and excitement through the countries and the generations.

As my family’s legacy resonates in the heartbeat of this exhibition, I have the ambition to embark on a journey with the artists that invites pleasure, reflection, reverie and wonder. As acrobats of the imagination, the artists, each from their own unique universe, tempt us to a certain agility of mind, to discover new perspectives and to see clearly the spectacle of life and the world. Art and circus: they both play a connecting role that should not be underestimated and they have the power to collectively reveal the essence of humanity. Let's unite - Right here! right now! – around the acrobats of imagination. We Are the Circus. The Circus We Are. (fragment of the curatorial text by Joanna De Vos)

About ‘The Clown Spirit’:
Many artists have at least some affinity with the existence of the clown. The melancholic artist, the serious clown, the comical artist, the tragic clown, the idiotic artist, the subversive clown, the comforting artist, … They all have the gift to transcend life. To make their fellow humans see, feel, or think differently. The clown/artist gives tragic life a comical face, and vice versa. The artist/clown is a clone and a canvas for various symbols. In their own extremes, the artist/clowns are both modest and elated.

That contradiction forms the energy flowing through ‘The Clown Spirit’ at Belgian Gallery – an exhibition that came into existence as a direct consequence of the overflowing response of artists to the invitation to create self-portraits as a clown. ‘The Clown Spirit’ shows the ongoing series of contemporary self-portraits as a clown. It was previously exhibited at De Rossaert in Antwerp, a space owned by Ronny Van de Velde Gallery, between October 2020 and January 2021.

Participating artists at Le Delta:
Carlos Aires, Homa Arkani, Uldus Bakhtiozina, Dodi Espinosa, Kendell Geers, Marie-Jo Lafontaine, Taus Makhacheva, Enrique Marty, Fabien Mérelle, Johan Muyle, Erwin Olaf, Hans Op de Beeck, Femmy Otten, Daniele Puppi, Santiago Ydañez, Mary Zygouri

Participating artists at Musée Félicien Rops:
Carlos Aires, Oda Jaune & Dariy Danovsky, Marie-Jo Lafontaine, Edward Lipski, Enrique Marty, Messieurs Delmotte, Axel Pahlavi & Florence Obrecht

Participating artists at Belgian Gallery:
Marina Abramović, Hugo Alonso, Homa Arkani, Uldus Bakhtiozina, Fred Bervoets, Guillaume Bijl, Elke-Andreas Boon, Muhiba Botan, Oona Bovri, Carlos Caballero, Paolo Canevari, Jacques Charlier, Michael Dans, Samuel De Maré, Wim Delvoye, Peter Depelchin, Robert Devriendt, Jorik Dzobava, Sidi El Karchi, Manfred Erjautz, Dodi Espinosa, Che Go Eun, Inci Eviner, Jan Fabre, Mike Figgis, Flexboj & L.A., Michael Fliri, Sasha Frolova, Kendell Geers, Maya Gold, Oda Jaune, Pieter Jennes, Fermín Jiménez Landa, Marie-Jo Lafontaine, Mous Lamrabat, Sigalit Landau, Tom Liekens, William Ludwig Lutgens, Fernando Marques Penteado, Kris Martin, Enrique Marty, Fabien Mérelle, Messieurs Delmotte, Elena Minyeyevtseva, Pieter Laurens Mol, Jorge Molder, Mothmeister, Sofie Muller, Johan Muyle, Eleni Mylonas, Maryam Najd, Nadia Naveau, Katie O’Hagan, ORLAN, Ria Pacquée, Javier Pérez, Petrovksy & Ramone, Antonis Pittas, Viktor Popov, Anastasia Potemkina, Daniele Puppi, Gabriel Roca, Antoine Roegiers, Julião Sarmento, Rob Scholte, Raoul Servais, Nedko Solakov, Berend Strik, Elly Strik, Koen Theys, Rosemarie Trockel, Filippos Tsitsopoulos, Jan Van Imschoot, Yves Velter, Nils Verkaeren, Fabien Verschaere, Henk Visch, Vadim Vosters, Andy Wauman, Santiago Ydañez, Mary Zygouri

Thirst... the impulse of a basic human need (drinking) but also: the desire, the passionate, unstoppable pull towards something… beyond the graspable. The itching, twisting, turning desire to create runs through the artist's veins. A single twist in this electric, vital feeling can be a spark to new arteries in their visionary mind. For the artist, acting on this pulse comes as naturally and desperately as breathing. The thirst is what drives them, makes them walk, dance, twist, jump, run, ride, flow, fly... The thirst thrives on the rhythm of the blood, the beat of the heart, the dance of passionate creation.

The three selected artists float on the thirst for creating, they bring a new twist to art: Oona Bovri, Nick Ervinck, Homa Arkani.

Visit the exhibition until 31 December 2021 on www.campariredpassion.be

From a playful imagination, a family history related to the circus, and close connections with contemporary artists, the desire erupted to bring the clown and the artist together in ‘The Clown Spirit’.

Many artists have at least some affinity with the existence of the clown. The melancholic artist, the serious clown, the comical artist, the tragic clown, the idiotic artist, the subversive clown, the comforting artist, … They all have the gift to transcend life. To make their fellow humans see, feel, or think differently. The clown/artist gives tragic life a comical face, and vice versa.

The artist/clown is a clone and a canvas of various symbols. In their own extremes, the artist/clown is both modest and elated. That contradiction forms the energy flowing through ‘The Clown Spirit’.

‘The Clown Spirit’ shows contemporary artworks at De Rossaert in Antwerp, a space owned by Ronny Van de Velde Gallery, between 16 October and 31 January 2021. The heartbeat of the exhibition is due to the especially created self-portraits of many artists: Marina Abramović, Hugo Alonso, Homa Arkani, Uldus Bakhtiozina, Fred Bervoets, Guillaume Bijl, Christian Boltanski, Elke Andreas Boon, Muhiba Botan, Oona Bovri, Carlos Caballero, Paolo Canevari, Jacques Charlier, Samuel De Maré, Wim Delvoye, Peter Depelchin, Robert Devriendt, Jorik Dzobava, Sidi El Karchi, Manfred Erjautz, Dodi Espinosa, Che Go Eun, Jan Fabre, Flexboj & L.A., Michael Fliri, Sasha Frolova, Kendell Geers, Oda Jaune, Pieter Jennes, Fermín Jiménez Landa, Marie-Jo Lafontaine, Mous Lamrabat, Sigalit Landau, William Ludwig Lutgens, Fernando Marques Penteado, Kris Martin, Enrique Marty, Fabien Mérelle, Messieurs Delmotte, Elena Minyeyevtseva, Pieter Laurens Mol, Jorge Molder, Mothmeister, Sofie Muller, Johan Muyle, Maryam Najd, Nadia Naveau, Katie O’Hagan, Hans Op de Beeck, ORLAN, Ria Pacquée, Javier Pérez, Petrovksy & Ramone, Antonis Pittas, Viktor Popov, Daniele Puppi, Antoine Roegiers, Julião Sarmento, Rob Scholte, Raoul Servais, Nedko Solakov, Berend Strik, Elly Strik, Koen Theys, Rosemarie Trockel, Jan Van Imschoot, Yves Velter, Nils Verkaeren, Fabien Verschaere, Henk Visch, Vadim Vosters, Andy Wauman, Santiago Ydañez.

A classical and modern take on the theme will be on view simultaneously at Ronny Van de Velde Gallery in Knokke. The two parts of the exhibition can be experienced separate from one another, but are also a perfect addition and contextualization of each other.

‘The Clown Spirit’ is a prelude to a large-scale exhibition for the city of Namur where the theme of the circus will be celebrated on several locations (such as Musée Félicien Rops, The Delta, and others – opening May 2021). This exhibition will be an instantaneous, spontaneous activation of the acrobatics of the spirit and the body. The concept will be created by Ronny and Jessy Van de Velde, and myself.

Joanna De Vos, spring 2020.

Solo exhibition of the Russian artist Sasha Frolova

José Angelino draws and creates sculptures applying behaviours and laws of nature.

His artistic research is inspired by the observation of natural events and their dynamics, their occurrence and "preferential" development. His works play with the interference, the resonance and the natural flows of energy, merging scientific experiments and artistic practices. Angelino comes from a physics background, but he has later discovered that it is the poetics of natural dynamics that interests him most; his academic knowledge of classical physics and quantum mechanics, influences the way he creates works of art.

With this attitude the artist creates sculptures that reproduce and modify the development of a natural event: by interposing obstacles he generates interference, he expands the flowing of elements and then he forces it by investigating the thin and indefinite boundary between space and light.

“It is probably true quite generally that in the history of human thinking the most fruitful developments frequently take place at those points where two different lines of thought meet. These lines may have their roots in quite different parts of human nature, in different times or different cultural environments or different religious traditions: hence if they actually meet, that is, if they are at least so much related to each other that a real interaction can take place, then one may hope that new and interesting developments may follow”. (Werner Karl Heisenberg)

Uldus Bakhtiozina was born in a family with mixed religions and nationalities: a Muslim Tatars father, and a Christian half-Ukrainian mother. In her work, she often explores folklore and fairytales, but also challenges stereotypes. She was the first Russian TED-speaker in history, and was chosen as one of the Top 100 Women of Year by the BBC in 2014. In 2016, she was named Best Fashion Photographer by Vogue Italy.

Her first professional work as a photographer was a series of ironic self-portraits, which she created during her studies at the University of the Arts in London. Her main intention was to expose stereotypes around nationality, gender, social issues, etc. However, she always does this in a way that is both ironic and infused with magic mysticism.

At SEEN, we meet Uldus Bakhtiozina in a new installation entitled ‘Miss Future – 未來小姐’. Uldus often plays a character – as a form of escapism but also to bring across a sharper message. The artist holds a degree in politics, and this influences some of her work, as is the case in ‘Miss Future’. The installation is informed by the relation between Russia and China, which has been very difficult in the past. Today, everywhere we look, China seems to be taking over the world. It is the world’s largest manufacturing economy and exporter of goods; all objects and clothes we buy – no matter where – seem to be ‘Made in China’, and it has an extremely elaborate market in copied versions of big brands. All eyes are on China – waiting to see what the future holds.

‘Miss Future’ overlooks the current world, as a kind of broadcaster or spokesperson for a changing and challenging society. She herself is a vision of the future – a manufactured, reconstructed, copied version of a person – at all times she sees and is seen, yet she is apparently also missing. Because of her many different guises, the search for ‘Miss Future’ will prove to be a difficult one.

This project is supported by Anna Nova Gallery.

So often our vision plays tricks on us: you think you see someone you know from the corner of your eye. You turn and blink, and the person is gone. Was what you saw real or just a play of the light, or even a whim of your imagination? There is no way of knowing for sure.

This September SEEN welcomes the installation Kopflose Mühle (1993-2002) by Swiss artist Markus Raetz. It is remarkable that, despite being arguably one of the most important contemporary artists in Switzerland, his works have rarely ever been seen in Belgium. This ‘headless mill’ has only seldomly been on public display.

Probably the most important part of Raetz’s work is the viewer. One’s perception of Kopflose Mühle changes depending on one’s position; not only does the installation move by itself, it also changes according to the viewer’s movement. The relation of each viewer to the work is unique.

SEEN – a small yet flexible space – offers a multitude of possible perspectives from which to view this work. Most obviously, the visitor can move around the piece inside the space. Another perspective is offered from the outside, where you can see the work from different angles, as well as the play of light and shadow projected onto the white walls. As dictated by the concept of the art space, the installation will be running day and night. A nighttime viewing offers yet another experience, since at this time the installation itself becomes the primary source of light.

This project was made possible thanks to: Private collection, courtesy of Wilde Gallery, Geneva.

“A desire to unite, instead of divide”

The touch or press of the lips as an expression of affection, love, greeting, or reverence.

The ease of sharing the kiss, the significance of receiving the kiss.

Artist duo Petrovsky & Ramone present an installation around the themes of Love and Connection, a desire to unite, instead of divide – curated by Laura Adams at SEEN in Antwerp.

With the use of visual and digital art they will build a world of unconditional love across borders, genders, race and sexes. The core element of the installation is a visual reminder that we are all connected, all ONE, not by the self-implied restrictions of our ‘social’ media, but by blind love that binds us all.

The act of kissing
While giving a kiss can be done for multiple purposes, the underlying intention of the act is mostly related to feelings of love, affection and connection. While the act of a kiss is something very personal, it is often judged by the public. Some societies do not accept the freedom of sharing a kiss. Some allow the kiss, but not between all types of people. We are all humans searching for acceptance and protection. To be united with ‘the whole’. Searching for the greater connection. Why can’t it be as easy as a kiss?

Common sense usually tells us to “not play with fire”. However, the longing to touch the delicate yet powerful flame, dancing on top of a candle, can be great. You will soon realize that the hot flame can burn you, but the attraction does not fade.

Oda Jaune’s installation Hands created especially for SEEN shows a symbiosis of light and shadow, confronting the viewers with the question of their own existence. In absolute silence and as an antidote to our distractive times, the installation explores the theme of perception and represents a never repeating moment. Under the candle flame, the sculpture becomes animated: shadows start to dance, candles melt away. The wax traces left by the melting become a symbol for the inevitable passage of time and the fragility of life – a poignant metaphor for vanity. All the while, the bronze hands burn but seem to resist the pain, as an everlasting material. The installation functions as a memento, created through life and death.

Oda Jaune is represented by Galerie Templon.

An open-air installation on the occasion of the 58th Venice Biennale

For The Sensation of the Sea, guest curator Joanna De Vos has invited several international artists to engage in a dialogue with The Mesdag Collection. These contemporary artists are captivated by the grandeur and tempestuousness of the ocean. The attraction of the sea is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for them, a ‘battery for the imagination’.

Odes to the performance In Search of the Miraculous by the Dutch artist Bas Jan Ader form the exhibition’s connecting thread. Ader disappeared in 1975 as he attempted to sail across the Atlantic. His soul became one with the untameable power of the sea. The tributes to Ader’s artistic practice highlight the enticement and mystery of the ocean.

Participating artists:
Nelly Agassi, Ruben Bellinkx, Ansuya Blom, Elke Andreas Boon, Dirk Braeckman, Stijn Cole, Thierry De Cordier, Wim Delvoye, Jan Dibbets, Jan Fabre, Nan Goldin, David Horvitz, Oda Jaune, Sigalit Landau, Enrique Marty, Fabien Mérelle, Johan Muyle, Katie O’Hagan, Ahmet Ögüt, Hans Op de Beeck, Mikes Poppe, Enrique Ramirez, Lonnie Van Brummelen, Hans Van Houwelingen, Yves Velter, Bill Viola, Jorinde Voigt, Julius Von Bismarck, Andy Wauman.

Locations include Duomo di Monreale and Valle Dei Templi Agrigento
Curators: Joanna De Vos & Melania Rossi

A raft is a means of transport, a means to save lives, a place of isolation, reflection, doubt, insight and encounter. It symbolizes a voyage with a set destination or an adventurous quest without such destination. As a symbol, a raft is susceptible to a variety of interpretations. Call it also a metaphor for the ecstasy art has to offer.

The second edition of the Ostend Triennale takes its starting point in Théodore Géricault Radeau de la Méduse (1818-1819) and Jan Fabre’s Art Is (Not) Lonely (1986). Against the panorama of the North Sea and across the fabric of the city, 73 artists share their creations. Their works are often characterized by dualism, though quiet seclusion and social involvement are equally important.

The dramaturgy of the exhibition is anchored in the concept of crossing borders. Several artists are also active in the world of film, theatre and performance. Existing work and 52 new creations are on view at more than twenty familiar or unexpected places. Furthermore, over fifteen artists will present a unique performance.

Organisation
De zee vzw (non-profit organisation)

Mu.ZEE and several other locations in Ostend.
www.hetvlot-oostende.be

Curators: Joanna De Vos & Jan Fabre

International group exhibition of modern artistry as a 'legacy' of knightly ideals.

‘The Artist/Knight’ is a tribute to the poetic figure of chivalry who gallops out of the mists of romance. The tragic-heroic warrior who falls and rises again, who conquers, rescues, defends, protects, seeks and meets expectations in the sight of his visor.

'The Artist/Knight' defines the knight as conceived in the mind, body and limbs of the contemporary artist. A number of works by modern artists (including Lovis Corinth, James Ensor and Lucio Fontana) reflect the historic embedding of the theme. Chess games, never exhibited before in Belgium, by e.g. Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Yoko Ono, embody the progressiveness of the artist/knight: the will for movement and change, the genesis of a different vision on the world.

With work by Marina Abramović, Uldus Bakhtiozina, Horia Damian, Robert Devriendt, Davide Dormino, Jan Fabre, Laurent Grasso, Phil Griffin, Oda Jaune, Kubra Khademi, Meiro Koizumi, Pere Llobera, Kris Martin, Jonathan Meese, Fabien Mérelle, Benjamin Moravec, Eleni Mylonas, Luigi Ontani, Antonis Pittas, Quiet Ensemble, Gabriel Roca, Rob Scholte, Adeela Suleman, Hannelore Van Dijck, Hans Van Houwelingen, Marko Velk, Antonello Viola, voorforvaastfanclub and Andy Wauman.

'The Artist/Knight' book by Hannibal Publishing is available from July 11

Gaasbeek Castle, Kasteelstraat 40, 1750 Lennik (Gaasbeek), +32 (0)2 531 01 30 
www.kasteelvangaasbeek.be 

For more information please contact Marieke Debeuckelaere, +32 (0)2 531 01 45 or 
marieke.debeuckelaare@cjsm.vlaanderen.be

Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio
Forte di Belvedere

Curators: Joanna De Vos & Melania Rossi

Spiritual Guards was listed as number 3 in the top 10 art exhibitions 2016, ARTRIBUNE

Spiritual Guards and its followers : Palazzo Vecchio: 254.000 visitors, Piazza della Signoria: 4.350.000 and Forte di Belvedere: 176.225 visitors

musefirenze.it/en/mostre/janfabre/