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
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.
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
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.
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”
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.