ECHOES II: In collaboration with Geukens & De Vil

Geukens & De Vil Projects and Bruno Claessens proudly invite you to the second edition of “Echoes”, an inspiring and innovative dialogue between western modern and contemporary art, and antique works of art from the African continent. 

Juxtaposing old and new, curators Bruno Claessens and Marie-Paule De Vil explore the intersections of artistic expression across time and space, presenting a shared vision of a world of beauty that transcends cultural boundaries. This conversation brings together the rich heritage of African artistic traditions and the diverse expressions of modern and contemporary artists. “Echoes” is a unique opportunity to experience the magic that happens when modern and contemporary art encounters the timeless beauty of classical African sculptures and invites viewers to contemplate the connections between these worlds to explore how ideas, emotions, shapes and colors echo across continents and generations. 

“Echoes II” presents a carefully curated selection of artworks by Constant Permeke (1886-1952, Belgium), Oscar Jespers (1887-1970, Belgium), Bram Bogart (1921-2012, Belgium), René Guiette (1893-1976, Belgium), Hubert Wolfs (1899-1937, Belgium), Marthe Wery (1930-2005, Belgium), Giorgio Griffa (b. 1936, Italy), Stanley Whitney (b. 1946, USA), Kendell Geers (b. 1968, South Africa), Moataz Alqaissy (b. 1986, Iraq), Jaromir Novotny (b.1974, Czech Republic) and Frederick Lizen (b. 1986, Belgium), together with a curated selection of antique artworks by anonymous artists from Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, D.R. Congo and Mali. This diverse range of artworks, including paintings and sculptures, are thoughtfully arranged to create an inspiring and engaging environment. Visitors can expect to be transported into a world where the past and the present converge in a space where the creativity of modern and contemporary artists echoes the intelligence of African craftsmanship. 

“We are excited to present this joined collaboration as an exploration of the echoes of human expression through time,” says Bruno Claessens.“This exhibition is a celebration of the enduring power of art to connect us across cultures and eras.” Marie-Paule De Vil: “We are proud to reunite a stunning Permeke portrait with a marble head by his friend Oscar Jespers, the sculptor inspired the painter to also start collecting classical African art, a testament of the subtle influences of the continent’s art on the practice of both artists”.