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Conversations

Contemporary and historical masters in dialogue

15 contemporary artists look at the Fritz Mayer van den Bergh collection and enter into a dialogue with centuries-old paintings, modest sculptures and lavish retables. An intriguing blend of old and new where you examine the work with a fresh pair of eyes.

This expo ran from November 10, 2023, to March 3, 2024.

Contemporary artists engage in conversation with the unique collection from the nineteenth-century art lover Fritz Mayer van den Bergh. They have been inspired by Dulle Griet (also known as Mad Meg) by Pieter Bruegel, the portraits by Cornelis De Vos and Alessandro Allori, still-lifes by Antwerp masters like Daniël Seghers, works by Jacob Jordaens, Joachim Patinir and Gerard de Lairesse, etc. The applied arts so richly represented in the museum collection also receive a contemporary response. Artists including Jonathan Meese, Tal R, Ben Sledsens, Bram Demunter, Rinus Van de Velde and Dennis Tyfus are creating some new work especially for this exhibition.

The result is a dazzling exhibition where new masterpieces shine alongside their historical counterparts. And all in the atmospheric interior of the Museum Mayer van den Bergh.

Participating artists

Bram Demunter • Marcel Dzama • Adrian Ghenie • Kati Heck • Leiko Ikemura • Edward Lipski • Jonathan Meese • Ryan Mosley • Inès van den Kieboom • Muller Van Severen • Tobias Pils • Ben Sledsens • Dennis Tyfus • Rinus Van de Velde • Tal R

In collaboration with Tim Van Laere Gallery.