Middle Gate

    NLEN

    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".

    Ricardo Brey

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    Courtesy of the artist and Courtesy Alexander Gray Associates, New York © Ricardo Brey/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
    Every Life is a Fire, 2010-2015
    Ricardo Brey
    Installation , variable dimensions
    spheres, chain

    ‘God is an infinite sphere whose centre is everywhere and the circumference nowhere.’ – Hermes Trismegistos

    The circle, sphere and ball inspired Ricardo Brey to create his installation Every Life is a Fire (2010-2015). 33 spheres are arranged in a specific pattern and are linked to each other. The whole thing is reminiscent of the cosmos, mysticism or even the geometry of the Baroque and of mediaeval scholasticism. Brey drew his inspiration from the writings of the Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges, specifically the book Het Liber XXIV philosophorum, in which 24 propositions tell us who or what God is, and also from the work of the 17th-century German mystic Jacob Böhme.

    All the materials used for the spheres in this installation have their own symbolism. The eggs refer to the beginnings of life, protection and purity. Lead is the metal of the planet Saturn, which refers to time and melancholy. Black sand is reminiscent of the darkest powers of nature and man. When combined with iron oxide it makes clear reference to Mars, the planet of war and destruction. In this presentation Brey tries to combine the existing significance of these materials with newly attributed meanings.

    It is not the first time that this installation is being exhibited in a religious setting. In summer 2012 it was shown in St Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent as part of a group exhibition compiled by Jan Hoet.

    This artwork is being exhibited at the High Altar of the Saint Paul's Church in Antwerp (Address: Veemarkt 14. 2000 Antwerp)

    Until 29.3.2015 it can be viewed every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 pm and as from 7.4.2015 every day, also from 2 to 5 pm. Admission free.

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