When the parental home of Karin Borghouts (1959) burned down, she photographed the images of what was left of it. She also found a reproduction of a painting by van Gogh on the scene; it made her realise how much the artist had marked her.
It became the beginning of a quest in the footsteps of Vincent, from his birthplace Zundert in 1853 to his death in Auvers-sur-Oise in 1890. There are many who follow in the footsteps of celebrities, but Borghouts visited all the locations (Vincent was here), photographed what he may have seen (Vincent has seen this) and rephotographs or reinterprets 66 works by the master (‘Vincent painted/has drawn this’). The result is a strong “Karin photographed this”.
the results are a beautiful exhibition in the restored and splendid building (a former shop from the 19th century, specialised in sailors caps & military caps) known as de Rossaert in the Schipperskwartier in Antwerp. Highly recommended, but not for people with mobility problems: the steep stairs make the visit difficult.
The book that accompanies the exhibition is in three languages, Dutch – French & English, with a beautiful essay by Xavier Canonne (photography museum of Charleroi), an explanation on the locations by Ron Dirven (curator Vincent van Gogh house Zundert) and a reference to the works that inspired Karin Borghouts.
In conclusion: a must for art lovers in general, Vincent van Gogh fanatics in particular and for lovers of (technically flawless) strong photography. Material for gifts, if necessary to yourself if you are really selfish.
Vincent was Here exhibition in Antwerp till 24 october.
VINCENT WAS HERE Book of Photographs by Karin Borghouts
ISBN 9789080990333
Hardcover, 208p with 130 photos, 240 x 300 x 23 mm
Dutch, French and English, € 39
If you can’t see the exhibition in Antwerp, two more venues are planned:
13 October – 4 December Art Gallery De Vuyst Kerkstraat 46, Lokeren.
17 December – 6 March 2022 Citadel of Namur (Terra Nova), Route Merveilleuse 55, 5000 Namur. This exhibition runs together with the exhibition Dans les yeux de Van Gogh in the Musée Rops, 12 rue Fumal – 5000 Namur.
AntwerpPhoto
See the contribution on Antwerpphoto
Borghouts’ site
https://www.karinborghouts.be/
To order the book
https://www.karinborghouts.be/books/vincent-was-here
Other venues (most of them were already published, except the last one)
The excellent exhibition on Issei Suda in Fomu till 03 10
https://loeildelaphotographie.com/fr/john-devos/
A new and exciting exhibition of Lara Gasparotto – Songes des jours de pluie in Stiglitz 19 till 9 October
Toshio Shibata at Ibasho
https://loeildelaphotographie.com/en/ibasho-gallery-toshio-shibata-painting-falling-water-dv/
Gallery Fifty One : Bruno V. Roels : Paradis à Vendre
https://loeildelaphotographie.com/en/gallery-fifty-one-bruno-v-roels-paradis-a-vendre-dv/
A new exhibition on 60s & 70s iconic photographer Roland Minnaert subtitled Photographer of Freedom can be seen at Galerie Verbeeck – Van Dyck (Not officially in the circuit) till 3 October
