‘Masters on Paper : From Light to Shadow’
In this exhibition, we present an extraordinary selection of artworks on paper - etchings, drawings and watercolours - by some of the most influential Belgian artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These works offer an intimate insight into the artistic processes of these luminaries and reveal the emotional and technical versatility of working on paper.
This exhibition explores the possibilities of paper as a medium, from expressive power to fragile subtlety. The selected artworks, whether etchings, drawings or watercolours, offer a unique insight into the creative process of these influential Belgian artists, showing how they have managed to capture light, shadow, emotion and form through paper. James Ensor (1860-1949)
Known for his grotesque masks and satirical scenes, Ensor's work on paper shows his keen view of human nature. His etchings are an outlet for his critical view of society, often with absurd and fantastic themes. The fragility of the paper enhances the stark humour and grotesque power of his linework.
Emile Claus (1849-1924)
The master of Luminism, Claus is known for his sun-drenched landscapes and rural scenes. His watercolours and drawings on paper show the delicate interaction between light and nature. These works reveal Claus' virtuosity in capturing atmospheric nuances and the play of light in the Flemish countryside.
George Minne (1866-1941)
Minne's drawings are imbued with melancholy and spiritual symbolism, as are his sculptures. His subdued figures, often in vulnerable poses, emphasise solitude and introspection. These works on paper offer an intimate view of his inner struggles and his search for the spiritual dimensions of human existence.
Gustave De Smet (1877-1943)
An important representative of Flemish expressionism, De Smet's drawings and etchings show simple, powerful forms and expressive faces. His works on paper embody the search for essence and form, with the human figure often taking centre stage in a stylised, expressive setting. The rough lines and texture of the paper enhance the emotional impact of his work.
Rik Wouters (1882-1916)
Wouters' works, especially his watercolours, are a celebration of colour, light and spontaneity. As a post-impressionist artist, he had a unique sensitivity to everyday life, and this is evident in his portraits and interior scenes. His work on paper shows a subtle yet direct approach, in which quick brushstrokes and bright colours capture the energy of the moment.
Frits Van den Berghe (1883-1939)
In Van den Berghe's drawings and etchings, we see the surrealist tendencies that would later characterise him. His early works on paper often depict a dreamlike, distorted world where grotesque figures and symbols play a prominent role. These artworks foreshadow his later, more surrealist paintings, offering a fascinating glimpse into his imagination.
Constant Permeke (1886-1952)
Permeke's drawings on paper are a study in strength and simplicity. With heavy lines and robust shapes, he depicts the robust lifestyle of fishermen and farmers. His works are imbued with a deep respect for the earth and working man, with the heavy outlines on paper emphasising the monumental nature of his subjects.
Paul Delvaux (1897-1994)
Delvaux, the master of Belgian surrealism, creates enchanting, dreamlike worlds where classical architecture, nude figures and mysterious atmospheres converge in his drawings on paper. These works reveal his fascination with the subconscious and the dream state, with an almost cinematic approach to space and light. His use of pencil and ink reveals an unexpected subtlety in contrast to the grandeur of his well-known paintings.
