New show: Is Dysfunctional?! - Oct 2022 - January 2023 Tanu, Lievegem
In a brand new joint show sculptor Batist "Tist" Vermeulen and photographer Hannes Couvreur explore what it means to be "functional" these days.
Both Hannes and Batist were invited to take over the buildings and garden of TANU in Lievegem, near Ghent. In their joint show, Batist and Hannes explore common themes in their work, one of them being a consistent reflection upon society's need to look for what's "functional", as well as the tendency to devalue what (and who) gets labelled as "dysfunctional".
In his sculptures, Tist uses "low" quality materials to create "high culture" shapes, such as statues that show formal links with classic sculptures and themes. At the same time, he also creates sculptures of ordinary things like a bar of chocolate or a jerry can out of exquisite materials like high quality marble.
This resonates with Hannes Couvreur's body of work on withering flowers, as well as on the revisitation of classic themes such as vanity, the symbol of the cross, and the importance of aesthetics (the ability to make something available to our senses, to make something sensible of this life and this world).
Is Dysfunctional?! closely relates to the therapeutic activities that take place at TANU, founded by Dr psycholoigist Bo Van den Bulcke. People struggle more and more with their own "functionality". Finding people who value them as they are, is key to increase their wellbeing.
Next to the work of Batist and Hannes, visitors can also discover a series of paintings by Sophie Martens.
Also, for the first time, Hannes will display his Bot.s sculptures. All sculptures as well as all photographs will be for sale.
For those of you who would like to join on the opening night, feel free to sign up here (we'll provide you with a drink and something to eat, as well as some music and an occasion to discover the works and connect with the artists).
When:
- 21 October 2022 - 31 January 2023
- Open weekends (artists are present): 5 Nov, 4 Dec, 28 Jan and 29 Jan (14:00 - 18:00)
Where:
- Grote Baan 18, 9920 Lievegem (google maps)
Other links:
Batist "Tist" Vermeulen (Studio Tist)
Sophie Martens
TANU