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".

    Els Dietvorst

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    (c)Els Dietvorst - photo: M HKA, 2019
    No Shooting, 2000
    Els Dietvorst, Orla Barry , Jan Braet
    Book , 16.5 x 20 cm
    ink on paper

    One day this summer I thought I might have something to say, I didn't get to it till December, but anyway as Clem would say...

    I decided to write about the drawings, and I've been circling them ever since.

    These are the results of the conversations I started with Els's drawings on a miraculously sunny day in December after my first winter swim in the Irish Sea. The very same day my cousin Geoffry tried to shoot one of my precious pheasants, even though he said it was a wild duck. I know Els would prefer me to begin by writing about a pigeon, but she'll come around to pheasants one day, if we ever get out this blasted city...

    I think every other conversation happened in the dreary days of January and February within the confines of my room within the confines of the European Capital that is BRU-X-ELLES.

    The drawings talked to me in a strangely familiar way, which is to be expected I suppose as I seem to be living with them. Anyway I talked back sometimes responding, sometimes smothering them which you are allowed to do living in such close proximity, you understand... 

     

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