23 Oct 2022 - 30 Jan 2023
Karel Fonteyne explores the internal universe, but even more so that of the observer. 'Tales of Silence' prompt reflection and introspection. Silence and reflection are indeed closely linked, where one phenomenon evokes the other. The scenes are bathed in a silence that almost tangibly weighs, accentuated by the peculiar way the concept of 'time' is approached.
Time seems suspended, frozen: it is unclear whether we are looking at a moment or an eternity. The artist aims to represent an idea or a vision, rather than just depicting a pictorial subject. That idea is expressed with strong symbols, but especially the doubling of the same reality is a constant: the living and the lifeless, the visible and the invisible, the dressed and the naked, the robust and the fragile, as well as what was experienced versus what only existed in a dream.
The result is alienating and unusual, and raises questions. A bit to our wonder, we thus come to our own interpretation of his work.
The essence of things is found within and does not reveal itself easily. It is sometimes discovered as if by surprise, then again after a long journey. Nothing is easy or obvious.