De positie van kunst en de kunstenaar [The position of art and the artist]

Ensemble

The oeuvre of Jan Vercruysse can be reduced in principle to one central problem: what is the position of art in the world, and, in connection, what is the position of the artist? This question is a response to the cultural climate in which Vercruysse operated. He recognized that commerce in the art world led to superficial, speculative interpretations and hasty consumption of art. There was no space for depth and reflection. Vercruysse's austere, non-communicative art can be seen as an answer to this problem. His art is about the conditions of being a contemporary artist. Is meaningful art (still) possible?

About M HKA / Mission Statement

The M HKA is a museum for contemporary art, film and visual culture in its widest sense. It is an open place of encounter for art, artists and the public. The M HKA aspires to play a leading role in Flanders and to extend its international profile by building upon Antwerp's avant-garde tradition. The M HKA bridges the relationship between artistic questions and wider societal issues, between the international and the regional, artists and public, tradition and innovation, reflection and presentation. Central here is the museum's collection with its ongoing acquisitions, as well as related areas of management and research.

About M HKA Ensembles

The M HKA Ensembles represent our first steps towards initiating the public to today's art-related digital landscape. With the help of these new media, our aim is to offer our artworks a better and fuller array of support for their presentation and public understanding.