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".

Middle Gate Geel '13

©Private collection - Courtesy Tim Van Laere Gallery, Antwerp
Frau Heck, jetzt mal in Ernst, 2013
Painting , 130 x 100 cm
oil and charcoal on canvas

In many of her self-portraits, Kati Heck presents the viewer with a serious look. In this regard Frau Heck, jetzt mal im Ernst comprises, as the title intimates, no exception. With swollen eyes and a look tinged with regret, the artist holds a tiny, finely adorned coffin in her hands. Just the perfect size for the little bird perched on her shoulder. Below, a cavalcade of figures and animals pierce the melancholic atmosphere.