Naar de Nederlandse versie / pour la version française
What if we pulled an old master from under the dust to inspire fresh, contemporary graphic work? And that around a burning current theme: democracy?
“Everything is political.” Starting from this provocative statement and the artistic work and life of woodcarver Frans Masereel, the collective behind Magrafica organizes an exhibition around the theme of democracy. It invites students, in their own way, to take these words and images as an outlet for creating graphic work, from all the difficulties and diverse interpretations that can be attributed to the concept of democracy – or lack thereof.
The exhibition will open in the spring of 2025 in Antwerp and then travel further through Brussels and Flanders.
Are you a student of one of these academies and would like to participate? For information on the project’s start and development, please contact the teachers involved.
For the Magrafica project, Masereelfonds is joining forces with teachers from several urban art academies: KASK Antwerp, KASKA Deeltijds Kunstonderwijs (Antwerp), Academie voor Beeldende Kunst Gent (Deeltijds Kunstonderwijs), Académie Royal des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles (atelier Lithografie) & RHoK Brussel. Many thanks to our supporting partners: University of Antwerp, MSK Ghent and Kunstwerkt.
Why?
We believe that the artistic and intellectual legacy of Belgian artist Frans Masereel is once again relevant. Get inspired by discovering his works for yourself.
About democracy, then what?
How do contemporary artists experience, view and represent the concept of democracy? What is democracy today? Is there a difference between word and action? Is democracy a universally observed concept? Can democracy be essentially democratic? Has democracy grown and flourished as an ideology, or has it become merely a shadow of its original idea?
In short, we would like to invite you to participate:
A dazzling exhibition showcasing broad, varied, and contemporary interpretations of democracy (or the lack thereof), all in contemporary versions of Frans Masereel’s favorite medium: graphic arts!
L’exposition!
Our principle: every submitted work will be shown, some physically, some digitally.
The opening exhibition is scheduled for spring 2025 in Antwerp. From all submitted works, a jury will select certain pieces for this first exhibition. Starting in September 2025, the exhibition will travel through Flanders and Brussels. Each location will again make its own selection from the submitted works. Thus every expo is different.
The works that will not be shown physically will be featured in a digital way. All works will be shown online and through social media.
And on top of that: the publication!
We will create a professionally designed catalog with (a selection of) the submitted works. Photographer Erik Eggermont will capture the pieces in the studio. Publicity will be provided by the Masereelfonds, Kunstwerkt and UAntwerpen.
This is a unique opportunity, a platform for feedback, and a valuable addition to your artistic resume. So do it! We look forward to your participation and submission!
Execution
Submitted works must be created using a graphic technique. The techniques include: linocut, woodcut, wood engraving, etching, copper engraving, litho printing, pronto printing, screen printing, monotype….
A crossover of these techniques, as well as collages or combinations with other drawing media, are also welcome. Digital prints or photocopies are accepted, but only combined with with analog techniques.
The format and medium for the workare open to choice. As a guideline, the artwork should be transportable for someone alone on a streetcar.
Soumission
Works can be submitted by January 27, 2024. This must be done in two ways:
1. The physical work is submitted to your teacher. We ensure that the works are brought to Antwerp for the jury.
2. Submit the work digitally via the platform Beeld van Kunstwerkt. You will need to create an account and provide details about the work. More information on this process will follow.
Only works submitted through both methods will be eligible for inclusion in the exhibition.
Selected artists agree to cede the physical work and the reproduction rights of the image for the duration of the project, from January 2025 to December 2026. All works will be insured and returned to the artists after the project concludes.
The Magrafica collective
- Peter Bosteels – artist and lecturer Artesis Plantijn (AP) School of Arts and AP Hogeschool
- Herman Declerck – artist and teacher KASKA DKO
- Barbara Deruytter – project assistant Masereelfonds
- Erik Eggermont – photographer
- André van Ekelenburg – movement worker Masereelfonds
- Manfred Sellink – director Museum of Fine Arts Ghent
- Broos Stoffels – designer
- Nathalie Vallet – lecturer University of Antwerp and volunteer Antwerp Museum Fund
Questions or suggestions? For questions about the project, email barbara@masereelfonds.be. For questions of an artistic nature, mail to herman.declerck@telenet.be.
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