An exhibition in which teachers from the visual art department not only show their own work, but also that of a ‘buddy’: a friendly artist, partner, former teacher or an artistic source of inspiration.
“Our Cross-Over Thomas Geeraert teacher makes installation work and admired the work of artist Stef Debrander, although he did not know him personally. He just stepped on it and asked: Do you want to be my friend for this exhibition?”, Says director Stefanie Vandewalle.
Pieter Verfaillie, who works under his stage name Stokman, grabbed the opportunity to meet his old friend from Ghent, Artuur Vandekerckhove, again. “It offered the opportunity to see him again, to request work and drink a coffee together in the sun together,” says Pieter, who is also coordinator of the Expo.
Illustrator and Teacher Trui Chielens chose Martha Geschaffel, who also participates in Poperinge Trooststad. Chielens will start two new directions at the Academy next year, including the unique Flemish training ‘prints and books’, fully focused on the book as an art form.
The exhibition is particularly varied, with sketches, paintings, sculptures and installations. According to the organizers, the choice of buddies ensures a breath of fresh air, exactly what the title ‘BRIES’ refers to. “It is nice to see how works that at first glance have little in common, nevertheless enter into a dialogue when you hang them together,” says Pieter Verfaillie.
The ‘Bries’ exhibition is free of charge on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, until September 14, in the Festival House on the Markt in Watou.