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".

WAANZIN | MADNESS

image: (c) Jurgen Addiers, Collectie M HKA, Antwerpen, Collectie Vlaamse Gemeenschap
On the Pillow, 2000
Photography , 115 x 95 cm, 115 x 177 cm, 115 x 185 cm, 115 x 157 cm, 115 x 182 cm, 115 x 185 cm, 115 x 183 cm, 115 x 110.5 cm
b/w photo, aluminium

Yang Zhenzhong taps into the unexpected, confronts the viewer and stirs up thoughts and feelings. On the Pillow, a collection of works from ‘Usefull Life’, an impactful exhibition for the Shanghai art scene, shows a series of black and white photographs of couples lying in bed. Although a shot like this usually evokes an erotic atmosphere, the mood is abruptly disturbed. The people have disfigured heads and anxious facial expressions. These powerful images have an astounding and alienating effect.