Middle Gate

The exhibition project Middle Gate II – The Story of Dymphna is a collaboration between M HKA (Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp) and the cultural centre de Werft in Geel. Middle Gate II is the follow up to the exhibition Middle Gate, curated by Jan Hoet in Geel in 2013. The exhibition concept is closely tied to the legend of the holy Dymphna, saint of the possessed, the mentally ill and patroness against epilepsy and insanity. The legend of Dymphna shares a strong connection to the identity of Geel, "the charitable city".

Els Dietvorst

Back

(c)Els Dietvorst

As Long as the Blackbird Sings, 2009

Els Dietvorst

Video , 00:29:13

mini DV (colour, sound)

During one of her many walks along the Brussels-Charleroi Canal, Els Dietvorst meets ACM (Art-Coeur-Merci). It is the start of an intense relationship. Yet the moment Dietvorst visits ACM to make a film, he has disappeared. In his absence, Dietvorst made the film As Long as the Blackbird Sings with an actor. The film is a reflection of ACM's mental state: he's strong and vulnerable at the same time. Henry David Thoreau's Walden is a source of inspiration. This iconic book from 1854 is a combination of observations of nature, social criticism and philosophical insights. It has become a symbol of sustainability, anti-capitalism and civil disobedience.

Back