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".

Sergey Bratkov / Сергій Братков

© Sergey Bratkov
Photography , 8 x (40 x 30 cm)

This photo series depicts Russian child models, whose parents bring them to modeling conventions in order to find work. Their coquettish attire and Lolita-esque poses suggest a type of subordination and even a sensuality that lies in awkward contradiction with their young age. Bratkov alludes to a harsh, mature world where innocence is lost, all the more pressing knowing that his own daughter is featured in the series, too.