De Brouckère
De stad beweegt in de palm van mijn hand (2004)
In this long, narrow corridor with two moving walkways, Jan Vanriet uses the space to the full: he uses the walls as a background for a sort of story in pictures, an analogy with the old wall tapestries in which we find all sorts of themes flowing along together: the first steps on the moon, Place De Brouckère, terrace chairs... There is a mix of architectural context, in other words the Place De Brouckère itself, the Rogier concept architecture from the middle of the last century, mixed with modern skyscrapers and components of the metro itself: escalators, signs, etc. The idea for this work of art comes from a poem by Benno Barnard, and fragments of this text feature in the work of art, along with a song by Jacques Brel in which he sings about Brussels and the Place de Brouckère. Pieces of linocut, mixed with photos were used to create "The city is moving in the palm of my hand"
Jan Vanriet (Antwerp, 1948)
Jan Vanriet has several strings to his bow: other than paintings, he has creates theatre sets, contributes to a literary review, writes poetry collections, draws for a daily newspaper and writes columns in magazines. He expresses his diversity in a multitude of styles, and focuses on three definitive subjects: nature, history and humanity. Jan Vanriet lives and works in Antwerp and in Provence. He was selected for the Sao Paulo and Venice Biennials. He won the special prize at the 1990 Art Festival in Seoul and in 2001 he received the Van Acker Stichting prize, following in the footsteps of Frans Masereel, Hugo Claus and Roger Raveel. Vanriet's works can be found in various museums, galleries and well-known financial institutions all over the world.
