A stone’s throw from Ghent, Laarne Castle is one of the best preserved water castles in the country. More than 700 years ago, the first stone of a medieval castle was laid here. The pointed round towers and impressive rectangular keep still date from that era. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone many renovations and by the 17th century had become an attractive summer residence of the nobility, a maison de plaisance. Today, it still exudes the grandeur of its time. Exceptional furniture, tapestries, paintings and the castle’s renowned silver collection provide a unique and authentic setting.
From 13 March to 22 May, 2022, this beautiful monument will be the setting for a group show featuring Francis Alÿs, Thomas Bogaert, Michaël Borremans, Dirk Braeckman, David Claerbout, Berlinde De Bruyckere, Wim Delvoye, Kris Martin, Daniël Ost, Matthieu Ronsse, D.D.Trans and Jan Van Imschoot.
Belgian artist Kris Martin initiated this unique exhibition and gave it the title NADIR. In astronomy, the nadir (from the Arabic nathir, ‘opposite’) is the point directly below the observer, the opposite of the zenith. For Martin it is a metaphor: the viewer and the participating artists are invited to observe deeply, to go to the core.
For NADIR, Martin has selected the cream of the Belgian art scene: the generation of artists who have shaped and influenced him, either artistically or as friends. His personal pantheon, as it were. This explains the enigmatic image chosen as the cover for the show: a satellite picture of the Pantheon in Rome. Laarne Castle offers an aptly monumental setting and the choice to exhibit here reflects Martin’s fondness, as a Belgian artist, of utilising the unique locations this country has to offer.
Although Martin is the initiator of the exhibition concept, he will not be acting as curator. Instead, he assumes the role of a participating artist, leaving the other artists the freedom to plumb the depths or ‘nadirs’ of their own inspiration.
During this exhibition, the castle will be much more than a backdrop for the art. In many cases, the artists have created new work specifically for the location, inspired by its history or its special atmosphere.