NEWSLETTER JUNE 2019

RETMONER

Boekenplein, Waregem, BE
2019

RETMONER is an impressive sculpture, full of meaning. Just as the Roman supreme gods were once placed on a pedestal in the center of a historic city, I place this sculpture in the center of Waregem. Ancient rituals run out; the masks that our ancestors wore, towers that were built as high as possible, imperial guards, characteristics that are always linked to the protection of themselves and the people. The Zuidboulevard project has been an important step in the development of Waregem. The Zuiderpromenade is seen as the new gateway to the city. I am therefore happy to respond to this fact by placing RETMONER as a guard who must protect an unknown sanctuary. Resolutely, the fascinating and frightening being stops the viewer from moving on. It hides the realm beyond the tangible, controls access to what can only be found through dreams. But just on that threshold between present and past I like to stop and unexpected encounters occur. RETMONER is a call to look at the old history books with new eyes. Waregem became known as a progressive city during the industrial era as well as today. We also recognize these innovativation in the work: through the use of new technologies and new elements, the historical heritage is portrayed in a new way. Due to its flowing, computer-controlled forms, it forms a softer version of the historical artifacts. The organic that we thought we knew so well, now suddenly becomes post-organic, it flows, slips, mixes with all materials and forms around it. Although this sculpture seems monumental, this eclectic image is built from voids. Just like Henry Moore, I use the negative or empty space as a constructive force. Emptiness is an inseparable part of the sculpture and can therefore even be seen as a volume. The fragmentary links to the works of David Smith, Anthony Caro and Alexander Calder. These artists often presented sculptures in which various parts seemed to float in the air. Just like theirs, I design an abstract, surreal, dynamic steel construction. In short: In RETNOMER the various elements from the micro landscape: the architectural, cultural, recreational and natural elements come together in one. The final result is a sculpture that tells a story, which makes people fantasize and dream away. The shape of the sculpture appears to be an unseen, strange warrior from the future. The sculpture, which is full of links to the past of the city, seems at the same time a strange remnant of the future. The illusion therefore exists that this image can transform into another object. The monument will appeal to and inspire young and old alike. Just as the Jupiter column portrayed the history and religion of its surroundings, RETMONER also brings the story of Waregem in a contemporary way.

LOCATION: Boekenplein, Waregem, BE




 

 

 

HOME SWEET HOME

Kunstenhuis, Harelbeke, BE
16/06/2019 - 21/07/2019

The image of a house evokes many associations. It can be a home or a lack of it. The question "someone at home?" remains rhetorical. Sociability or Unheimlichkeit, people who are alienated from their roots or who search for them erringly. Migration is a global affair, but the search for a home is also problematic at the micro level. The place of the "I" in relation to the other and the other. Sehnsucht, or that fervent longing for the unreachable. Does a house offer security or is it a challenge to come home?

23 Belgian artists give a vision on this theme. Both internationally renowned artists and young artists fill “Home sweet Home” with paintings, photography, video, sculptures and installations. This exhibition is not only special to see but is also an invitation to reflection.

With works by Anton Delabie, Bart Stolle, Berlinde de Bruyckere, Caroline Van Den Eynden, Charif Benhelima, Ernest Verscheure, Filip Dujardin, Greet Desal, Joelle Dubois, Jonas Vansteenkiste, Karel Wouters, Klaus Verscheure, Nick Ervinck, Peter De Cupere, Philip Aguirre, Robert Devriendt, Ronny Delrue, Sofie Muller, Steven Baelen, Tom Callemin, Vadim Vosters, Veerle Michiels, Wesley Meuris

Curated by Jan Leysen

LOCATION: Kunstenhuis, Harelbeke, BE


 

 

 

BEYOND THE SKIN

Museum Villa Rot, Burgrieden, DE
30/06/2019 - 29/09/2019

Dissecting human bodies had been a taboo for many centuries. It was not until the 15th century that medical research and the visual arts began to explore every aspect of the human organism and to analyse organs, veins and muscles scientifically.

Although we have extensive knowledge of our internal organs and their functions today, the complex organ system of the human body has not lost any of its fascination. We are still keen to understand how all our organs work together and try to comprehend their machine-like precision. On the other hand, we can hardly look at real or platinated hearts, kidneys or intestines without feeling a certain disgust and discomfort, because we associate them with death and transience. Artists as well are inspired and fascinated by such an ambivalent perception of human organs.

The exhibition „Beyond the Skin“ shows 15 selected artistic positions dealing with the human organism. The participating artists examine medical, aesthetic and mystical aspects of the body and show what lies beyond the skin. Among other issues, they take up the current topic of organ donation and aspects of future enhancements. Summing up, the exhibition demonstrates the contradiction between religiously or culturally charged and sober medical perspectives on the human body.

With works by Ed Atkins, Ulrich Blum, Mariechen Danz, Birgit Dieker, Stine Deja, Nick Ervinck, Alastair Gibson, Zoë Hough, Klaus Illi, Anna Jermolaewa, Sofie Layton, Marie Munk, Thomas Struth, Alex Tennigkeit, Ivonne Thein, Michael von Brentano

Curated by Marco Hompes M.A.

LOCATION: Museum Villa Rot, Burgrieden, DE


   


 

 

 


Current and upcoming projects

Art Zuid - Amsterdam Sculpture Biennal
Amsterdam, NL 
17/05/2019 - 15/09/2019

(curated by Cintha van Heeswijck-Veeger, Jhim Lamoree and Michiel Romeyn)

 

L' Heure Bleue
De Mijlpaal, Knokke, BE
19/05/2019 - 28/07/2019

Home Sweet Home
Kunstenhuis, Harelbeke, BE
16/06/2019 - 21/07/2019

(curated by Jan Leysen)

 

The Wave
Kunstenfestival Aardenburg
Galerie Freemen, Aardenburg, NL
29/06/2019 - 18/08/209

Beyond the skin
Museum Villa Rot, Burgrieden, DE 
30/06/2019 - 29/09/2019

(curated by Marco Hompes M.A)

 

The kind stranger
UNArt Center, Shanghai, CH 
23/08/2019 - 20/10/2019
(curated by Art Yan)


Mon héritage provisoire
Adornes Domain, Brugge, BE
16/10/2019 - 09/01/2020

(curated by Reniere & Depla)

 

Groupshow with Renato Nicolodi and Sofie Muller
Musée Fenaille, Rodez, FR
15/05/2020 - 04/10/2020

(curated by Christa Vyvey)

GNI-RI oct2019
Library, Waregem, BE
10/2019 - 12/2019
(i.s.m. Be-Part, the Henry Moore Foundation
and the city of Waregem)

 

GNI-RE jun2020
Valcke Art Gallery, Ghent, BE
13/06/2020 - 18/07/2020


Manifestations - Superpowers to the people
Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven, NL
19/10/2019 - 27/10/2019


 

GNI-RI apr2020
Häme Castle - National Museum
Finland,
Hämeenlinna, FI  
17/04/2020 - 19/11/2020

Art Autun
Autun, FR
03/04/2020 - 24/05/2020

(curated by Reniere & Depla)

 

REDNOYER
VUB, Brussel, BE  
08/2019

THILAP
private commission, Gent, BE  
08/2019

 

CANNEHWEK
CAW, Brussel, BE  
11/2019

ANONOV
Nona, Mechelen, BE  
10/2019

 

REKAMKEIZUM
Park Bel-Air, Willebroek, BE 
07/09/2019

OLNETOPIA
St Pete Pier, Florida, USA  
11/2019

 


     

   



© 2019 Nick Ervinck
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