IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR STREET is an exhibition in and about Statie- and Driekoningenstraat in Berchem, in which AAIMACHINE presents a kaleidoscopic image of the streets to the neighbourhood, residents, passers-by and visitors to the exhibition.
Statiestraat starts at Antwerp Berchem station and flows into Driekoningstraat. These two streets are so closely tied together that the transition between them is barely noticeable. They are as one, presenting themselves like life companions who are inseparable for eternity.
The artist's space AAIMACHINE is located in the middle of this street tandem. The shop window, with its rather comical and enigmatic inscription “AAIMACHINE”, is a popular sight; many passers-by who encounter it for the first time pause for a moment and smile. The word “aaimachine” itself is often spoken aloud when seen, echoing like a familiar sound in the neighbourhood.
Sociologist Maurice Crul (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) researched the unique situation of the streets in Oud-Berchem. Crul described the mix of people who find their home there as “superdiversity”. This phenomenon creates visually striking scenes that cry out for artistic interpretations.
In the project IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR STREET, AAIMACHINE invites renowned artists with a background in photography to form their view of the microcosm of the two streets. The artists are invited to create their work based on the specific situation of this street duo.
In collaboration with the artists, AAIMACHINE attempts to capture the subtle dynamics described by Crul. The exhibition naturally aspires to be more than an exercise in aesthetics. It aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the neighbourhood. Local residents and visitors to Antwerp Art Weekend will have the opportunity to experience the streets in a different way: through the perspective of artists with a unique insight and through artistic activities as a visual guide.
Just as the streets themselves are eclectic, we have chosen a group of artists that is as diverse as possible in order to reflect this eclectic view.