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".
"the Pearman" the pears of Limburg hanging from his chest
breasts of unfulfilled love or bankers' bags weigh him down
he droops MASSIVE
he was pulled in circles around the church in St. Truiden
by workhorses with brass buckles, he wobbled would he topple?
dust is in movement and rain can kill this hefty softy
- Orla Barry