Exhibition in the Scientific Library of the National Bank of Belgium
29 August - 22 October 2011
You & Me
A selection of works from the National Bank's collection of contemporary art on the subject of the human figure
For almost 40 years now, the National Bank has adopted a policy of supporting Belgian artists or artists living in Belgium; today it presides over a collection of contemporary art unique of its kind. The Bank thus aims both to promote contemporary art in Belgium and to offer its staff a stimulating working environment. The approximately 1850 works are displayed in the Bank's office premises in Brussels and elsewhere. Normally, the collection is not accessible to the public. However, a selection of around 40 works on the subject of the human figure will be exhibited from 29 August to 22 October.
This is the second time that the National Bank has put items from its collection on display to the general public. It first did so last year, for the public inauguration of its recently restored library. This year that magnificent building will again be used to exhibit a number of works.
This time, under the title "You & Me", the selection will centre on the human figure. This subject is in fact emblematic of the way in which we look at the work and the way that the work holds our attention. When the work depicts someone like us, is it that person that we are seeing, beyond the picture? And is the person in the picture looking back at us? The exhibition comprises around 40 works illustrating various techniques - painting, sculpture, drawing, photography – and reviews the many ways in which today's young artists represent the human figure and initiate a dialogue between the work and the viewer.
The selection mainly consists of work by young or emerging artists, though some of them have already made a name for themselves. Artists such as Michel François, Messieurs Delmotte, Ronny Delrue, Charlotte Lybeer, Cindy Wright and Sofie Muller. The works on display were almost all acquired in the past decade. Yet there is a wide diversity of approaches, ranging from quasi-realism to irony or philosophical reflection on the vanity of things.
During the Brussels Capital Heritage Days (17 and 18 September), for which this year's theme is "Conservation – restoration", visitors will be able to take a guided tour of the building where the exhibition is being staged. It is still known as the "UCB building", the name being derived from its previous owners (Union du crédit de Bruxelles and United California Bank). This is an exceptional opportunity to hear the detailed story of the restoration of this building, regarded as the ultimate example in Brussels of late 19th century bank architecture.
Exhibition “You & Me”
Scientific Library of the National Bank of Belgium
Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 57, 1000 Brussels
29 August - 22 October 2011
Monday - Friday 10.00 - 17.00; from 24/9 : Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 17.00.
Saturday 17/9 and Sunday 18/9 (Heritage Days) : 10.00 - 18.00.
Admission free
For more information: [email protected]