Berlinde De Bruyckere

I’ve just been to the “Khorós” exhibition at Bozar in Brussels, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Berlinde De Bruyckere’s work captivated me entirely, and the way this exhibit has been set up left a deep impression. If art that stirs your emotions and challenges your perception of life is something you crave, then this is a must-see. Let me take you through why it’s such a powerful experience.

Berlinde De Bruyckere: An Artist Who Moves Beyond Boundaries

The sculpture depicts a haunting figure shrouded in a tattered, flowing covering that resembles skin or fabric, evoking a sense of decay and vulnerability. Standing upright, the figure has a distressed, almost ghostly appearance, with the cloak hanging loosely, draping down in uneven layers. The feet, bare and grounded on a rough wooden pedestal, contrast sharply with the texture of the covering. The expressionless face is obscured, adding to the unsettling nature of the piece. Set against the backdrop of a gallery with reflected light from a textured ceiling, the artwork invites contemplation on themes of identity, mortality, and the transient nature of existence.

Throughout her career, Berlinde De Bruyckere has been both celebrated and controversial. Her art doesn’t shy away from unsettling topics but instead dives into them headfirst, forcing an emotional, raw confrontation with themes of mortality, vulnerability, and the fragile nature of life itself. Her wax sculptures often depict distorted human forms, missing heads or genitals, shrouded in wool, evoking discomfort—and thought.

The image captures a powerful sculpture of a horse, suspended upright by a thick rope around its neck, creating a striking contrast of life and stillness. The horse's muscular form is meticulously detailed, showcasing its size and strength. Below, a patterned wooden platform anchors the piece, while visitors engage with the artwork, their varying expressions reflecting intrigue and contemplation. In the background, another sculpture adds to the exhibit’s depth, enhancing the sense of space and artistic dialogue within the gallery. The overhead skylight bathes the scene in natural light, accentuating the raw textures of the horse’s body and the emotional weight of the installation.

Even her earlier works are emblematic of her daring approach. For example, her life-sized floating corpse sculptures once led concerned onlookers in Ghent to alert the police, mistaking her art for real bodies. And who could forget her evocative suspended horse sculptures? Positioned as part of the natural cycle, her art doesn’t hold back in underscoring the fragility and, often, the suffering intrinsic to existence—be it human or animal.

What Makes “Khorós” Special?

“Khorós” isn’t just a reflection of De Bruyckere’s past 25 years as an artist; it’s an intricate dialogue between her vision and the works of like-minded creators. The entire setup of the exhibit echoes the meaning of its title—‘chorus’—which in Greek tragedy refers to a collective voice narrating or reflecting the drama. Once immersed in this exhibition, the conversation between the artists feels tangible.

Her sculptures are placed alongside works by her “compagnons de route,” artists who share her themes of fragility, suffering, and resilience. The exhibit includes pieces by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Peter Buggenhout, Patti Smith, and Pier Paolo Pasolini. This curated mix resonates so profoundly that it’s as though their combined voices amplify the emotional weight of the experience.

Entering the “Khorós” Space

The sculpture presents a striking and unsettling figure, reminiscent of a human form yet infused with a sense of distortion and fragility. The body is elongated, with limbs that appear contorted and intertwined, conveying a tension between movement and stillness. The surface texture suggests flesh, complete with detailed features that evoke both realism and a hint of decay.

Ropes or straps seem to hold the figure in place, adding an element of restraint. The legs are thin and elongated, ending in small, bare feet that touch the ground. The overall presentation prompts reflection on themes of vulnerability, existence, and the human condition, creating an emotional resonance that invites deeper contemplation from viewers. The neutral backdrop emphasizes the figure's raw, visceral quality, allowing its haunting presence to dominate the space. — https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/berlinde-de-bruyckere-khoros

Each piece in the exhibition feels like a part of a larger narrative. The organic textures of Berlinde’s flesh-like wax sculptures harmonize with the visceral tones of Buggenhout’s works, while Cranach’s detailed paintings layer in classical depth. The poetry of Patti Smith and the cinematic intensity of Pasolini interweave beautifully, forming a space that demands reflection.

The painting features a young woman elegantly dressed in rich red and black attire, adorned with intricate jewelry around her neck and in her hair. Her expression is calm and composed as she gazes directly at the viewer, suggesting a mix of pride and defiance. In her hands, she holds a large, shallow platter containing a severed head with long hair and a beard, adding a dramatic and unsettling contrast to her serene demeanor. The dark background emphasizes the vivid colors of her clothing and the details of her accessories, creating a striking focal point on the unsettling subject of the head. The ornate gold frame enhances the opulence of the piece while framing the complex themes of beauty, tragedy, and power.

I was struck by how emotional and immersive the exhibition felt. It doesn’t simply invite you to look—it compels you to feel, to get in touch with universal emotions of loss, healing, and the endurance of the human spirit. It’s a vivid reminder of how art can act as both mirror and balm.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss “Khorós”

The image shows an artwork from the exhibit "Khorós: A Mesmerizing Journey Through Berlinde De Bruyckere's Vision". The piece features a large, textured, tree trunk-like structure standing upright in a bright, white-walled gallery room with a wooden floor and a glass ceiling.

The sculpture resembles an ancient, decayed, and weathered tree stump. It's organically shaped, with rough, jagged bark and surfaces that look almost fossilized. Several dark wooden beams pierce through the trunk at different angles, adding a harsh, almost violent contrast to the organic form. Wrapped around the upper part of the trunk is a soft, pinkish-beige fabric or textile, draping delicately, creating an eerie juxtaposition of tenderness and brutality. The base of the sculpture is rugged and irregular, as though it was unearthed directly from the ground.

The overall mood of the artwork feels raw, contemplative, and haunting. Berlinde De Bruyckere is known for exploring themes of vulnerability, decay, and the delicate balance between destruction and care, which is clearly reflected in this powerful piece.

Would you like a deeper interpretation of the symbolism or details about the materials used?

In “Khorós,” Berlinde De Bruyckere doesn’t just showcase sculptures; she creates a shared space for contemplation. The connections she draws with her fellow artists make the exhibition more than just a tribute to her career—it elevates it into a broader discourse on humanity’s perpetual struggles and resilience.

If you desire an artistic experience that challenges boundaries, provokes powerful emotions, and connects you to the shared essence of life, “Khorós” is where you need to be. It left me inspired, thoughtful, and awed. Give yourself the chance to witness this chorus firsthand—you won’t forget it.

Visiting Khorós: A Mesmerizing Journey Through Berlinde De Bruyckere’s Vision