New show: Unwelcome Flowers - Ouverture opens in Mechelen

New series of withering flowers still lifes on display in Mechelen

After its Prelude in Ledeberg (Ghent), photographer Hannes Couvreur displays another series of flower still lifes at his new show Unwelcome Flowers: Ouverture in Mechelen.

Unwelcome Flowers consists of intriguing portraits of withering flowers, in the style of 17th century still life painters. Flowers that still have a surprising beauty, even though they are past their prime.

Hannes Couvreur deliberately chooses to portray flowers that usually no longer deserve attention. He puts the spotlight on flowers that would go unnoticed, flowers which we would prefer to throw away.

Unlike the 17th century painters, his still lifes are no warning for the transience and fragility of life (vanitas). With Unwelcome Flowers, Hannes wants to remind the viewer of the meaningful place transience and vulnerability can have in life.

On Saturday, June 18, there is a special afternoon program with lectures by botanical philosopher Norbert Peeters, ritual counselor and podcast maker Karlijne Moons and photographer Hannes Couvreur. Music by Steven De bruyn (El Fish, the Rhythm Junks, ...).

Unwelcome Flowers: Overture is on display from Friday 17 June to 25 September 2022 in the BlinkHuis in Mechelen during opening hours (blinkout.be/blinkhuis-mechelen).