Ename - Ename Actueel Exhibitions - Sediment

Ename Actueel Exhibitions
Sediment
28 August - 16 October 2011

Contemporary art and Ename's fascinating heritage have been interwoven in previous Ename Actueel exhibitions by pam Ename and the result has always been a successful and gripping confrontation. This 7th edition of Ename Actueel in 2011 has 'Sediment' as a subtitle and was assembled by Hans Martens.

Sediment refers to material transported by wind, water or ice and deposited in rivers or landscapes. When sediment settles sedimentary rock is formed after a long period of time. Sedimentation is not unknown to archaeologists. When investigating the stratigraphy of a site they can usually establish the evolution of time on the basis of the different sedimentary layers and thus date artefacts. Just as sediment from other regions is blown along or washed up, artists from various wind directions and disciplines will deposit their works of art in Ename, temporarily or as a permanent sediment.

In Ename Actueel 2011 the archaeological site plays an important part. Also contemporary artists are particularly interested to leave their signature on such a spot, where the past becomes tangible in the present. The monumentality of this site is a challenge, but also induces modesty. In relation to the centuries-old history of the abbey remains a work of art seems merely a grain of sand or a pebble washed ashore.

The starting point for Ename Actueel 2011 is to work with artists who love the challenge of and the confrontation with monumental sites. They do not really want to compete with the monumentality, but they try to enter into a dialogue by means of subtle additions or shifts of emphasis, thus inviting or challenging the visitor to look at things in a different way. The material as well as the immaterial history of the site is a source of inspiration.

Artists: Stijn Ank (BE), Ben Benaouisse (BE), Stefano Cagol (IT), Audrey Cottin (FR), Koen De Decker (BE), Lara Dhondt (BE), Masashi Echigo (JP), Ermias Kifleyesus (BE), Joris Van de Moortel (BE), Hannes Van Severen (BE), Sarah Westphal (DE)

Image: Ermias Kifleyesus, Untitled, 2010 © pam Ename

More information: www.pam-ename.be