Between the winter landscapes of Gysbrecht Leytens and the still lifes of Jacob van Es, between the gallant scenes of Simon de Vos and the portraits of Anton van Dyck, have slipped powerful sculptures made of polyester, bas-reliefs in plaster and impressive watercolors on paper all bearing the signature of one man: Hans Op de Beeck. A great guest of the Museum of Flanders, the Belgian artist sheds light on the new permanent route with his polymorphous and realistic work by setting out to meet the biggest names in Flemish painting, from Jan Brueghel to Peter Paul Rubens. By multiplying the supports (sculptures, videos, drawings, installations), Hans Op de Beeck confronts here some of his influences: with his human skull and his bunch of grapes, his Vanitas XL is part of the pure tradition of 17th century vanities, while his watercolors of snowy landscapes are inexorably reminiscent of those of Gysbrecht Leytens. While his monochrome palette clashes with the shimmering and colorful palette of the Old Masters, Hans Op de Beeck's work captures the tragicomic absurdity of life while symbolizing the triumph of death over human existence as it once did. his elders.

MUSEUM OF FLANDERS
Until September 3, 2023
26 Grand Place, 59670 Kassel