KMSKA explores dialogue between past and present in new thematic exhibition
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) invites visitors to explore the connections between contemporary and historical art in its new exhibition, What's the Story? The exhibition presents a dialogue between the past and present, revealing how artists influence each other's work over time.
The KMSKA is one of the few museums that use thematic display as their structure, meaning the works of art are grouped by theme instead of in the more traditional chronological order. Each room in the main collection has a theme that explains why the pieces appear together.
Topics include Heroes, Abundance, Suffering, Evil and Lessons for Life. The only exception in the permanent collection is the grand viewing area housing Peter Paul Rubens’ massive masterpieces.
What's the Story? leans into the museum's conceptual nature by adding motifs such as Space, Time and Power for the first edition, which opened on Friday and runs until 17 November. Visitors will see how artists from different eras approach universal themes. For instance, Jean Brusselmans' exploration of space in his paintings is juxtaposed with contemporary artists like Mark Manders, who creates "a space in space" through his layered landscapes.
The second edition, from 23 November until 9 February, focuses on Life, Death, Seduction and Storytelling. Contemporary female artists like Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven and Liliane Vertessen will display art alongside historical works by artists like Constant Permeke and Jacob Jordaens.
The exhibition also delves into the concept of time, contrasting the stillness in the portraits of women by Léon Spilliaert and Rik Wouters with the slow passage of time in the video works of Chantal Akerman and David Claerbout.
The theme of power is explored through works like Katharina Pepijn’s portrait of a high clergyman, contrasted with the imposing, rusting sculptures by contemporary artist Thomas Houseago.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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