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".

    Jan Cox

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    (c)image:M HKA
    Gnoothi Se Auton, 1980
    Jan Cox
    Sculpture , 130 x 70 x 60 cm
    mixed media

    Parallel to the development of the Martelgang (Calvary), a series based on Christ's Passion, in Gnoothi Se Auton (1980) Jan Cox formulates a manner of (self)criticism with regard to artistic and human pride.  On a small nightstand that serves as pedestal, he positions a large skull made in polystyrene upon which he's written the ancient Delphic maxim “Gnoothi se auton”, or "know thyself", and - particularly in antiquity - this often took the meaning "(mortals) know your limitations".  Alongside the recurring quest for the good and for freedom, he makes us understand - via the white painted arrow, a memento mori - the we must all eventually come to our mortal end.  In works such as Gnoothi Se Auton (1980), Jan Cox brings together diverse materials full of existential despair and hope. 

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