Notre Mer

Gallery FIFTY ONE is thrilled to announce a new group exhibition as part of the gallery’s 25th anniversary celebration, dedicated entirely to the captivating theme of the sea. This exhibition serves as a continuation of the show which was curated on water back in 2011. Over the past 13 years, much has transpired, leading to a profound shift in our perception of water’s significance in our lives. We’ve finally but still too slowly come to realise that the Earth’s water resources are finite, amplifying the importance of conserving this precious element.

The sea embodies both breathtaking beauty and unforgiving brutality. Its waves possess the power to evoke sheer joy for surfers, yet they also harbour the potential for catastrophic destruction, wreaking havoc on countless individuals and entire communities. The tragic tsunamis that struck South Asia serve as poignant reminders of the sea’s formidable power. Moreover, the Mediterranean, once revered as a picturesque destination for dreams and leisurely vacations, has tragically transformed in recent years. It has become a symbol of human negligence and environmental degradation, resembling more of a coffin and a trash bin than a sanctuary of serenity.

In this exhibition, the goal is to delve into the enchanting beauty, dreams, and poetry evoked by the sea. While various artists represented by the gallery have been invited to participate, including Katrien De Blauwer, Arpaïs Du Bois, Harry Gruyaert, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Eric Manigaud, Bruno V. Roels, Jacques Sonck, Deanna Templeton, Friederike von Rauch, Mark van den Brink and Masao Yamamoto, invitations were also extended to other admired artists, including David Shrigley, David Horvitz, Philip Aguirre y Otegui, Dirk Braeckman, Alexandre Christiaens, Romain Laprade, Nino Migliori, Erika Cotteleer, François Halard, Johan De Wilde and John van Oers.

Read the full press release here.