Koen Vanmechelen’s artworks are on show as part of ‘Het Narrenschip’; an exhibition organized in Ostend to celebrate Belgian grandmaster James Ensor, who passed away 75 years ago in 2024. Through the multifaceted city festival ‘Ensor 2024’ the true face of 'the man behind the masks' is revealed. Curator Joannes Késenne includes Vanmechelens’ artworks, Les Marionettes trouvées, featuring Venetian masks, hinting to the mystical oeuvre of Ensor. Het Narrenschip runs from 30 March until 26 May 2024.
Het Narrenschip
Through a multifaceted city festival including 6 exhibitions and 80 (participatory) activities visitors get immersed in the world of James Ensor. Het Narrenschip is one of these exhibitions; curator Joannes Késenne brings outsider art into confrontation with insider art by contemporary artists. The artists form pairs and the shared source of inspiration is Ensor. Koen Vanmechelen is paired with Tinne Kers. Their artworks are exhibited at Oever Gallery. Het Narrenschip is an artistic and inclusive project in collaboration with O.666 and 't Leeshuus.
Colourful Venetian masks figure in these multimedia works. Visitors are greeted by beautiful - decorated with sequins, stones and lace - animal heads. A metaphor for the layers of identity and dynamics between visible and hidden, a theme that resonates deeply with Ensor's oeuvre. The animal masks bridge the gap between humans and animals and reflect my inexhaustible interest in hybridity and biocultural diversity. Even the title - Les Marionettes Trouvées - refers to the idea of discovering and exposing hidden aspects of our identity and nature. While Ensor's work revealed the underlying fears and cruelties behind human masks, the animals add a new layer of complexity. They symbolise not only the human tendency to hide behind facades, but also the inherent animal traits within us. And reveal the interactions of human and other animal life, genetics and identity.
Ensor 2024
In 2024, it has been 75 years since James Ensor passed away in Ostend, the seaside city where he lived and worked throughout his life. The Ensor Year pays tribute to the Ostend grandmaster.
Participating artists (pairs):
- Koen Vanmechelen en Tinne Kers in Oever Gallery - Hendrik Baelskaai 25
- Arpaïs Du Bois en Gaston Wuestenbergs - ‘t Leeshuus - Groentemarkt 3
- Fred Bervoets en Jos Holtappels - O.666 - Hendrik Baelskaai 27
- Angelique Vantuykom en Christina Mignolet, Patrick Peeters en Koenraad Tinel, Tom Daems/Marcel Hoeben en Karl Philips/Tom Daems in OLV-College - Kaaistraat 22
Exhibition info
Het Narrenschip
30.03 - 26.05.2024
Location:
't Leeshuus
Groentemarkt 3
8400 Oostende
Koen Vanmechelen’s works to be discovered at:
Oever Gallery
Hendrik Baelskaai 25/bus 001
8400 Oostende
Free admission
