After WWII, a generation of Belgian artists sought new ways to express light, movement, and perception. Breaking with traditional painting, they embraced optical illusion, kinetic energy and reflection.
Pioneers such as Walter Leblanc, Paul Van Hoeydonck, and Jef Verheyen aligned with the international Zero movement. Leblanc used torsion to create optical vibration, Van Hoeydonck manipulated light and space in his Lightworks, while Verheyen pursued the concept of ‘pure light’ on canvas.
In the field of optical art, Jo Delahaut, Guy Vandenbranden, and Jan van den Abbeel explored rhythm, geometry, and visual tension. Kinetic artists such as Pol Bury and Henri Gabriel introduced slow movement and light-based machines. Fred Eerdekens and André Beullens used shadow and reflection to challenge perception.
Mark Verstockt, Marcel-Henri Verdren, and Wout Vercammen investigated the interplay between form, light, and space through sculpture and graphic work.
This exhibition brings these Belgian innovators into dialogue with archival materials and international references—including Vasarely, Le Parc, Piene, Mack, Tinguely, Uecker and Bernard Aubertin.
A special tribute is paid to Jan Dries, born 100 years ago. His refined sculptures reflect a deep sensitivity to light, shadow, and silence. Albert Rubens, too, is rightfully included—his tactile, light-sensitive abstractions embody the same pioneering spirit.
Featuring works by:
Walter Leblanc, Paul Van Hoeydonck, Jef Verheyen, Guy Vandenbranden, Jo Delahaut, Jan Van Den Abbeel, Pol Bury, Henri Gabriel, Fred Eerdekens, Marcel-Henri Verdren, Mark Verstockt, Wout Vercammen, André Beullens, Albert Rubens and Jan Dries.