'A Max De Vos' is a novel by Liam Gillick. A fairy tale in 25 chapters, littered with Belgian proverbs, 'A Max De Vos' alternates between a flaneuristic tour of the historical surroundings of the Brussels Palace of Fine Arts and the fortunes of a young artist making his way to that very institution, without ever arriving. part fiction, part autobiographical, the novel also takes cues from historical sources on the Brussels Palace of Fine Arts and a 1918 British book of stories collected by Je...

The mini catalogue Firminy gathers 11 paintings on paper and an in situ installation by Koen Van den Broek, made for his eponymous solo exhibition at the Regent-Reychler gallery in Saignon, in the south of France. The paintings, that belong to a larger group of similar works on paper, are inspired by the Saint-Pierre church in Firminy designed by Le Corbusier, and carry the same spirit as the building in terms of light, volume and linearity. These works reveal the interesting and direct relat...

Slow Costuming delves into a comprehensive approach to costume design, emphasizing on the synergy between all elements involved in the crafting process of a performance. This method highlights the critical collaboration between the costume designer, performer, and the entire team. The fusion of the designer's and performer's work during fittings, creation, dressing, and performing is essential. The interplay between costume and embodiment is pivotal in animating a narrative. Well-fitted costu...

Kunstenaars en atleten zoeken steeds hun grenzen en limieten op. Begenadigd met talent en nooit vies van serieus labeur dromen ze elk in hun vak van de absolute top. Maar wat betekenen ontwikkeling, stijl, elegantie, beperking, rivaliteit, snelheid, kracht of behendigheid nu precies in kunst en sport? Applaus, roem of drama voelen in beide domeinen alvast even intens aan. Met vergelijkend beeldmateriaal, interviews, quotes en essays botsen en vervlechten de schijnbaar uiteenlopende werelden v...

Dynamic Project II is published on the occasion of the retrospective Philippe Van Snick – Dynamic Project in S.M.A.K.. This publication complements the book Dynamic Project from 2010, an illustrated monograph that offers an overview of the work and life of the artist between 1970 and 2010. Dynamic Project II picks up where Dynamic Project left off: it starts in 2010 and continues until the death of the artist in 2019. The research and writing for this second book was done by Wouter de Vlees...

Michel François’s studio is like a garden—un jardin contre nature—in which objects hang, transform, appear, disappear. Through minimal gesture with maximum effect, François transforms seemingly meaningless objects and materials into meaning-laden objects. Their spiritual character makes us pause in amazement at the artist’s impact on his surroundings, but in a larger context also on our own influence on the world we inhabit. In an agonisingly slow manner, a black block of marble is ...

In the vast expanse of human understanding, Witold Vandenbroeck (b.1994, Leuven) delves into the profound connection between us and the landscapes we inhabit. His canvases, a mesmerizing fusion of archetypes such as volcanoes, arteries, stones, and pottery, offer a visual exploration of our evolving relationship with the environment. These are not merely paintings but a fluid sequence of impressions, each ebbing into the next. It's in the space between these cascading images that the true ess...

Belgian artist Laurens Legiers (b.1994) is renowned for his serene and introspective art. He transforms elements of nature like ships, snails, and tree branches into geometric forms, creating tranquil scenes that encourage reflection. His pieces, often depicting a harmonious blend of light and mood, invite viewers into a world of peaceful contemplation.

In this volume, the artist presents his latest series of works on paper.

In this new body, Legiers encourages the viewers to engage in peac...