Hans Op de Beeck
Family. Scenes and Scenery
9 November – 16 December 2006
Xavier Hufkens
Sint-Jorisstraat 6-8 rue Saint-Georges
BRUSSEL 1050 BRUXELLES
tel. : 32 2 639 67 30
http://www.xavierhufkens.com
info@xavierhufkens.com
Xavier Hufkens has the pleasure to announce a second solo exhibition by the Belgian artist Hans Op de Beeck (born 1969, Turnhout).
Having long plunged himself into the many facets of alienation and absurdity of past rampant post-modern urban existence, the artist now turns his attention to the interior. For the exhibition “Family (scenes and scenery)”, Hans Op de Beeck has created an entire collection of large, medium and smaller works that use the family and domestic surroundings as bearers of meaning.
What does a deserted table say about the gathering that has just taken place? How does a child remind himself of a violent row at a family party? What can be read between the lines of cleanliness and propriety? What does a neat and tidy seating area signify? To what extent are we all attached to domestic objects? When does a banal everyday object become the silent witness to a drama?
The artist considers the living room as the ultimate micro-décor. People project themselves, their identity, their illusions and expectations onto a large collection of arranged objects they call home. The domestic interior is a seemingly innocent cardboard setting in which the small tragedies of everyday life take place.
The work of Hans Op de Beeck has been shown in museums and galleries in Europe and the United States. He is currently participating at the Shanghai Biennale and is working on large scale installations for the cities of Leuven (Belgium), and Towada (Japan.)
