Radical Shapeshifters

Artists: Alberta Whittle, Naomi Rincón Gallardo, Tom Hallet, Cihad Caner, Yeşim Akdeniz, Inês Neto Dos Santos, Antonia Phoebe Brown, Marleen Rothaus

Curator: Zeynep Kubat

Unruly, extreme, disorderly, contrarian, conflicting, revolutionary, militant, fanatic, agitator, avant-garde. What does it mean to be radical? The term is often associated with religious, ideological, or political extremism, which conveys a negative perception of violence and destruction. However, being radical can also have positive implications and even be necessary. Radical individuals and movements have shaped history, society, politics, culture, fashion, art and more. They foster progress by challenging prevailing norms and standing up against injustice to effect change. Being radical is about creating transformation.

The word “radical” itself is an etymological shapeshifter. In the first half of the 20th century, it acquired a negative connotation for being unconventional or transgressive in American English slang. Prior to this cultural shift, it was more closely connected to its original roots, aligning with the true essence of the word. The roots of “radical” can be traced back to the Latin words “radix” (root) and “radicalis”, meaning “coming from or connected to roots.” Therefore, being radical involves being grounded, remaining connected to one's origins, and rooted in empathy, solidarity, and resistance. For many individuals and communities, being continually transformative is necessary to be radical in this sense.

The artists showcased in this exhibition demonstrate the diverse ways in which radical transformations can shape both ourselves and our environments. How to stay connected, stay rooted and upright in connection with the world around you? The invited artists (de)monstrate the diverse ways in which radical transformations can both shape ourselves and our environments. They inspire us to be positively unruly and to become shapeshifters.

The exhibition will be contextualized through an extensive public programme by inviting organisations and collectives who shape and shapeshift the artworld in Belgium into a radically engaged place. Through these invitations, Kunsthal Mechelen strives to stay connected with a changing society and art field. More information about the programme will be announced soon through the social media platforms of Kunsthal Mechelen.

The exhibition is the first to kick off the new open house for art, Kunsthal Mechelen. By rotating formations of artists, curators, thinkers, and collectives, the house comes to life with a program that refuses to be confined to a singular artistic framework, instead incorporating transformation into its core. In consultation with an advisory committee, orientations are redefined, welcoming both new and familiar voices—young and experienced, local and international, more and less established.

Kunsthal Mechelen aspires to be a hospitable meeting space with an eye on local development. All are invited at Kunsthal Mechelen. We encourage dialogue, reflection, and critique. Kunsthal Mechelen likes hearing from you, and would love to engage in conversation.

Special thanks to our advisory board: Amina Iddrisu, Hans Martens, Herman Van Ingelgem, Klaartje Heiremans, Laura Herman, Moussa Don Pandzou, Pamela Peeters, Sarah Hendrickxand Sigrid Bosmans.

And the Kunsthal Mechelen team: Anne Van de Voorde, Anny Huyghe, Jessica Meuleman, Lars Van Vlasselaer and coordinator Steven Op de Beeck

With support of the City of Mechelen, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Hotel De 3 Paardekens.