LENTE IN DE KUNST
Lente in de Kunst was conceived as a celebration of emerging artistic voices and marked the second edition of a project dedicated to newly graduated artists from Flemish higher institutes for plastic arts.
The exhibition invited artists who had completed their studies in 1998 to present their work in the vacant rooms of a former polyclinic in Dendermonde. Rather than imposing a thematic framework, the curatorship—coordinated by the Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten—deliberately chose not to interfere with the nature or direction of the works shown. The exhibition trusted the integrity, diversity, and quality of each artist’s voice, grounded in the rigor of their artistic education.
Spring In Art - Dendermonde - 7 May – 6 June 1999
(Group exhibition)
As stated in the original curatorial text, Lente in de Kunst was envisioned as a project in which “each bird may sing as it is beaked” — a space where individual expression could unfold freely, without hierarchy or constraint. The exhibition embraced multiplicity: different media, tones, and artistic languages coexisted, forming a vibrant chorus rather than a single narrative.
My contribution to Lente in de Kunst reflected this moment of transition — from student to independent artist — and explored themes of perception, inner movement, and becoming. Shown alongside works by fellow graduates, the exhibition represented both an ending and a beginning: a closing chapter of formal education and the opening of a personal artistic path.
Lente in de Kunst remains an early milestone in my artistic journey — a first public affirmation of trust, presence, and the courage to let one’s own voice be heard.
“Lente van de Kunst is dan ook een project waarin elk vogeltje mag zingen zoals het gebekt is; hopelijk is ook deze tweede editie een vrolijk lied in vele toonaarden.”
— Curatorial text, Lente van de Kunst, 1999