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".

    Fransje Killaars

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    °1959

    The oeuvre of the Dutch artist Fransje Killaars (°1959) is characterised by textiles and their colours. Through accumulations and shading, she composes a setting which presents itself as an immersive experience.

    The layered nature of her work is expressed in striking contradictions: Intimacy versus openness, factory textiles in contrast to handmade materials, mass production as opposed to uniqueness, transparency against seclusion, excessiveness in contrast to a minimalistic structure. The artist plays with patterns – striped, plain, chequered or ornamental – on wool, velvet or damask. The bright colour palette contrasts with the rigid presentation and the abstract linear approach.

    The end-results of what is usually classified as so-called high and low art, or of good and bad taste, are brought together in her work and are given a new and generous place.

    Items

    Zonder titel [Untitled], 2000

    Fransje Killaars
    NON STOP (Amsterdam), 2000

    Fransje Killaars
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