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".

    Middle Gate Geel '13

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    Courtesy van de kunstenaar, image: (c) Luc Vuegen
    Breasts Inside Out, 2013
    Maria Roosen
    Installation
    glas

    Maria Roosen sculpts fragile and sensual objects in glass, wool, wood, paper and leather. These fragile materials allow her to touch upon themes of corporality, fertility and identity. The shape of her sculptures can often be traced back to everyday objects like milk cans and shoes, or even bodyparts like eyes and breasts.

    Inside Out is a bundle of skinned breasts, hanging in al old kitchen above the chopping board, on the spot that used to house the dangling porkmeat. On the one hand, the breasts looks seductive and sensual. The curves refer to fertility and femininity. At the same time the veins and the red color of the breasts recall images of urinary bladders or freshly slaughtered animals. The “meat” looks ready to be chopped into pieces. As is the artists’ intention, the piece brings out contradictory feelings, and leaves the viewer feeling uncomfortable when viewing the hanging depiction of fertility.

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