TRACK
12 May - 16 September 2012

On Saturday 12 May 2012, the official opening of TRACK was initiated with an exceptional performance entitled 'On The Path of Vooruit Universe' by Ahmet Öğüt. This happened at the 'Kuipje', the legendary indoor cycling track in Ghent's Citadel Park. In one compelling action he brought together the history of Ghent, the context of the 'Kuipje' and his personal memories of the acrobatic motorcycle riders of his childhood in Turkey. Seven professional racing cyclists were each given a luminous letter from the word 'vooruit' ('onward'). With this letter mounted on the frame of their racing bikes, they took part in a contest on the track, in the belief that at some random moment they would form the word 'vooruit'. In this performance Öğüt linked Ghent's socialist past to the bankruptcy of the social utopia and the concept of progress.

TRACK is a unique art experience in the public and semi public space of the city of Ghent. It offers surprising, enriching and unexpected encounters with the city, its history and its inhabitants and incites to reflect upon urban realities and the contemporary human condition in a broader sense. 44 international artists were invited to conceive new art works that are strongly rooted in the urban fabric of Ghent but link the local context with issues of global significance.

More information: www.track.be

Image: Mayor of Ghent, Daniël Termont © Patrick Henry, Het Nieuwsblad