The attraction and repulsion between both worlds is most apparent on the streets of a city. On the one hand, there is Art in Public Spaces, often consisting of works by renowned artists. They seem determined to stand the test of time.
But look closer, and you will find a very different type of artworks in that same city. Works that suddenly emerge and disappear relatively quickly. Works by artists who often want to appeal to their audience (and each other) directly.
The dimensions and media of such works can vary significantly. They are often in unexpected places and we rarely take a closer look at them. They may include stickers, drawings on walls, street furniture or templates. But some artists go even further, building entire structures or works with media that invade your living room: with toys, clothes, magazines, the Internet, radio or the sleeves of vinyl records. Their work spreads like a VIRUS and in some cases the public is “infected”, and becomes “contaminated”, complicit.
At first glance, these formal and informal art scenes react against each other. But actually it is more of a love-hate relationship. Museums and galleries are interested in these independent artists and vice versa, they like to explore new options and opportunities for presenting their work.
How does the artist define his own position in this conflict? The participants in this each exhibition all are very experienced when it comes to this balancing act:
- Baschz (NL)
- Sannah Belzer (NL) & Dries Verbruggen (B)
- Vaast Colson (B)
- De Klup (B)
- Ephameron (B)
- Erosie (NL)
- Lode Geens (B)
- Influenza (NL)
- Riaan van Jaarsveldt (SA)
- Joris van de Moortel (B)
- Timothy Segers (B)
- Dennis Tyfus (B)
- Philippe Van Wolputte (B)