Groupshow with Antoinette d'Ansembourg, Benoît Christiaens, Emma Cogné, Leo Luccioni , :mentalKLINIK and Prosper Legault
Doel Festival
16/09/2023
Doel, Beveren (BE) 2023
Specters of the Future opens a dialogue between Doel’s past, present, and future, transforming the village into a living canvas of artistic exploration. At this crossroads of history and change, the exhibition reflects on the consequences of economic decisions on both society and the environment, while celebrating the power of collective energy and the importance of preserving heritage. It offers an opportunity to engage with Doel’s ongoing transformation and uncover its untapped potential.
Antoinette d'Ansembourg’s life-sized installation transports us to a world where debris and plants coexist, suggesting the transgenic transformation of nature. Benoît Christiaens’ igloo, built from refrigerator doors, symbolizes overconsumption yet offers a modest refuge, embodying resilience and resistance. Léo Luccioni’s sound and video installation blends sacred chants with capitalist symbols, positioning materialism as a form of spirituality. Emma Cogné’s alternative networks trace architectural contours, hinting at the early stages of transformation. :mentalKLINIK's installation DOEL WILL raises questions about the village’s future through media and capitalist codes, leaving visitors with a sense of ambiguity and reflection. Finally, Prosper Legault’s street-poem sculptures comment on globalization and the merging of cultures in contemporary cities.
As the exhibition unfolds, Specters of the Future invites us to reflect not just on the present moment, but on the passage of time itself. What remains as time marches on? How do we move forward while acknowledging the past and navigating the uncertainty of the future? As we witness the evolution of Doel, we are reminded that even in the face of change, it’s in our collective energy and creativity that new possibilities emerge. The journey doesn’t stop; it’s a call to continue exploring, questioning, and, above all, imagining the world we wish to build together.
© Jonas Reubens, Harold Lechien, Hugo Ruyant and Antoine Grenez