Discover Benelux | Belgium | Top galleries & art exhibitions 2016
Inspiring surroundings thanks to rental art TEXT: KOEN GUIKING | PHOTOS: ART FORUM
An intriguing sculpture in the entrance hall or a stylish painting in the meeting room can turn a dull office into an inspirational work place. Art Forum in Antwerp, founded in 1980, makes this feasible for almost every company. It rents out stunning art for as little as 20 euros per month. Art Forum works with dozens of international artists, which guarantees a steady supply of surprising new works. Fans of contemporary art can stroll around for hours in the gallery, looking for that special masterpiece, but Art Forum understands that not everyone has time to do so, especially if Antwerp is not around the corner. “We help our clients to select an art piece that suits the setting. We go to the venue and, with the help of computer simulations, we give clients an impression of what the space will look like once the art is installed,” says Anne-Mie De
Baene. The client does not have to worry about anything. Art Forum transports and installs the art, insures it and, after a year, helps to select a new painting, photograph, sculpture or whatever is desired by the client. “Some clients grow fond of the artwork and wish to buy it. A reduced tariff can then be arranged.” Renting art is popular with Belgian firms as it is tax deductible. But Art Forum does not
State of the art Raised by parents with a passion for the old masters, Hermine de Groeve’s love for art started on her mother’s knee. Today she runs art gallery S&H De Buck in Gent together with jewellery designer, silver smith and husband Siegfried De Buck. “Art has always been a part of my life,” De Groeve enthuses. “My mother collected ancient art, so I know where my fascination was born.” Along with meeting her husband, she was introduced to contemporary art. “My husband has always been a lover of contemporary art and architecture. He creates contemporary jewellery and unique pieces, permanently present at the gallery. I admire people who are creators. They have a certain passion, are engaged with the world.” Art gallery S&H De Buck opened in 1972. It is a pilot gallery, showing both established and new artists. “Abstract, conceptual, minimalistic; everything and everyone is welcome. Age is not important.” De Groeve and De Buck have worked together with great masters: “We were the first ones showing work from Wim Delvoye, 66 | Issue 31 | July 2016
solely dress up Belgian companies and private homes; it has several international clients too. To get an idea of the type of art offered by Art Forum, visit its gallery on 36 Napelsstraat in Antwerp, in the trendy neighbourhood of ‘t Eilandje, near the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom). Or, alternatively, visit the website. www.art-forum.be
TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK
Berlinde de Bruyckere, Dirk Braeckman, and more. I guess that means I have a nose for art, but I just follow my feeling.” “Beautiful art has pride, tells a story. It provides the admirer with a glimpse into a deeper understanding of our world.” The person behind the piece is essential. “I see it as my task to ensure art lives on after it leaves the hands of its master. That is why it is so important to know the artist – how else can I be a defendant of someone’s life work?”
www.galeriedebuck.be www.siegfrieddebuck.be On Vimeo.be: Curartor Pieter Paul – Hermine de Groeve Currently showing: Johan Clarysse, Sven Verhaeghe, Philip Henderickx, Christina Mignolet, Maaike Leyn, Jean De Groote, Patrick Verlaak, Stefaan Van Biesen, Reniere&Depla, Frans Labath, Alex De Bruycker, Willy Vynck, Hervé Martijn, Frank Kenis, Hans Defer, Geert De Smet, Christine Marchand, Robine Clignett, Maureen Bachaus, Frans Westers, Andreas Lyberatos, Tomáš Lahoda, Meltem Elmas, i.a.
LEFT: Siegfried De Buck bracelet Le sommet du monde. Photo: Luc Gees. MIDDLE: Johan Clarysse Les charmes discrets du pouvoir. Photo: Jan Darthet. RIGHT: Philip Henderickx Philematology II. Photo: Galerie S&H De Buck