Joris Van de Moortel at S.M.A.K.
S.M.A.K. is presenting a solo exhibition by Belgian artist Joris Van de Moortel (born 1983 in Oostakker-Lourdes; lives and works in Hoboken). HELL ON EARTH, in search of PUR, NUR and FUR unfolds at S.M.A.K. from 5 October 2024 to 2 March 2025.
Joris Van de Moortel (b. 1983, Oostakker-Lourdes; lives and works in Hoboken) has been building his multidisciplinary oeuvre, which transcends borders and defies conventions, for more than 15 years. His studio is akin to a laboratory of the imagination, where he experiments with materials and ideas like a modern alchemist. While traditional alchemists seek eternal life and gold, Van de Moortel seems to be striving for a different kind of treasure: a path through the chaos of a rapidly changing world. At the same time, he remains true to the essence of art, knowledge and imagination.
In ‘Hell on Earth’, S.M.A.K.’s main front gallery is transformed into a sacred, total installation. New oil paintings, watercolours, models, sculptures and tarot cards meet film, performance, sound and music in a setting that testifies to a profound search for a new myth and spirituality, a fresh paradigm to encompass reality between past and future.
His musical performances, sculptures and paintings, not to mention his films and tarot cards, contain an abundance of puzzles, puns and art-historical references. A deep-seated creative urge characterises his visual language. For Van de Moortel, this chaotic aesthetic is essential for a critical discussion of the complex relationships between nature, culture, art, religion and contemporary society.
With Pur, Nur, Fur, Joris Van de Moortel creates an overwhelming installation that fills and transforms S.M.A.K.’s space. New oil paintings, watercolours, models, sculptures, videos and music converge in an almost esoteric setting, wherein every corner tells a story, sometimes hopeful, at other times apocalyptic.
Pur, Nur, Fur is not a static exhibition, but a total experience. Van de Moortel brings the installation to life with live music and performances, blurring the boundaries between artwork and audience, and infusing the space with a unique energy.
On the occasion of the exhibition, Van de Moortel will release a second version of his self-developed tarot cards, a second volume in the comic series Mat & Babelario, and a double album on vinyl compiling fifteen years of performances.
Joris Van de Moortel
HELL ON EARTH, in search of PUR, NUR and FUR
5 October 2024 - 2 March 2025
S.M.A.K.
Jan Hoetplein 1,
9000 Ghent
Press conference: Thursday 3 October, 11h
Please confirm your attendance at micha@clubparadis.be
Installation views
Images of works
Joris VAN DE MOORTEL Mijn hoofd is een zieke vulkaan (Mat & Babelario), 2024 Huile sur lin et cadre en bois de l’artiste Oil on linen and artist’s wooden frame 67 x 55 cm
Joris VAN DE MOORTEL Hoofd als zieke vulkaan met rook, 2023 Huile sur lin et cadre en bois de l’artiste Oil on linen and artist’s wooden frame 70 x 50 cm
Joris VAN DE MOORTEL Playing a 1 string violin (after Arnold Böcklin), 2021 Huile sur lin et cadre en bois de l’artiste Oil on linen and artist’s wooden frame 150 x 100 cm
Joris VAN DE MOORTEL The 7 Sacraments/ Elements for a performance, the night, 2023-2024 Huile sur lin et cadre en bois de l’artiste Oil on linen and artist’s wooden frame 280 x 321 cm
