The Project
The project 'Video Art in Atelier Arthur Rogiers' aims to open up heritage from 1898 to public and also connect the monument to the present by programming contemporary video art by young, national and international artists in Atelier Arthur Rogiers.
The project 'Video Art in Atelier Arthur Rogiers' is an initiative of Jan Knops. He owns maison Atelier Arthur Rogiers and curates this art space together with Jonathan Paepens.
Atelier Arthur Rogiers is a presentation and meeting place for art, artists and public within the framework of heritage in Brussels. The monument is a fully intact studio house (atelier d'artiste / artist studio) from the end of the 19th century. The restoration of this exceptional Brussels monument in geometric art nouveau style took place under the direction of Monuments and Sites of the Brussels Region (2014-2017).
This private heritage will be opened to public during the project 'Video Art in Atelier Arthur Rogiers'. The project connects an authentic heritage site with contemporary video art. Video installations are exhibited in Atelier Arthur Rogiers according to the 'Chambre d'Amis' exhibition concept. This means that the expo takes place within the existing interior of Atelier Arthur Rogiers, which is modified only by a slight change. Art is brought into the everyday living environment rather than in a 'sacred space' such as a 'white cube' or a 'black box'. Public can view art and meet young artists in a more or less familiar environment.
Apart from the heritage venue, public interest is explicitly in the programming of current video art. Artists' work responds to and reflects on existential and/or social issues. Art casts a different view of reality and offers public 'space' to view reality differently. Artist's 'gaze' can open eyes, deepen experiences and stimulate thinking. Today's complex and especially uncertain society is in need of this.
In this project, video art is chosen because there are exceptionally few presentation venues for this medium in Belgium. The initiative is therefore particularly appreciated by video artists. We refer to some quotes from artists on the website. The focus is on young artists who are already on their way and have often followed postgraduate training. They have already demonstrated qualities, but could nevertheless use a helping hand. Setting up a solo exhibition at Atelier Arthur Rogiers is an excellent opportunity for them.
The fact that video art is shown in a former painter's studio is a grateful counterpoint to which we (curators) and artists respond. Young artists like to be inspired by this heritage site in their work. Dialogue between artwork and surroundings is also strongly appreciated by public and is also a confirmation of the choice of exhibition concept for us.
The audience attracted to Atelier Arthur Rogiers and video art is characterised by diversity. People from the neighbourhood, district and city as well as nationally and internationally show their interest in the project. The artists have committed to engaging with the public. Like the curators, they are permanently present and approachable during the exhibition. Through this attitude, we lower the threshold and build bridges between art and public, exchange opinions on art, culture and society. In such an environment, reminiscent of the salons of the late 19th century in Brussels, art comes alive, touches the public. A meeting between art and public thus takes shape in a relaxed way.
Atelier Arthur Rogiers will show 4 shows by 4 artists every year.
Curators Jan Knops and Jonathan Paepens
Artist quotes
“There are few places that challenge the artist to work with a very defining but interesting space. There is a great need for places like this, not the least of which is a place exclusively dedicated to video art. To my knowledge, Atelier Arthur Rogiers is the only one of its kind. “
”In Atelier Arthur Rogiers, the focus is on your work as we only work with one artist per show. These solo presentations are of great importance to a young artist. You will also come into contact with a new audience that is specifically interested in video art. ”
“I think there is a general need for these kinds of presentation places for artists. Very valuable things are also happening outside the large institutes and museums. The great thing about a place like Atelier Arthur Rogiers is that it invites you to experiment. In addition, the small-scale nature and screening of the work ensures that you get to talk with the visitors and make new contacts. It’s a generous and warm initiative.”
“Due to the increasing commercialization of the art world, a place like Atelier Arthur Rogiers is of vital importance for young artists, it is like a sanctuary where things can still be tested without financial pressure and where contact with like-minded people can be made.”
Board: Bernadette Vriamont, Lies Martens, Sierk Bruna & Jan Knops
Supported by Vidi-Square, Nationale Loterij
Photography Luc Rooymans
Web design Nordicmaterial
