EXH#03 is the third major presentation of the Vanhaerents Art Collection, showcasing both recent acquisitions and seminal works in the unique context of a viewing depot. Inspired by the Chinese zodiac sign of the snake—symbol of creativity, curiosity, confidence, and generosity—this 2024 exhibition brings together large-scale pieces that fuse aesthetic innovation with emotional intensity. One of the central highlights is Life Vest Snake (2019) by Ai Weiwei, a monumental 22-meter installation composed of 140 life jackets used by refugees to cross the Mediterranean Sea. Ai Weiwei, hailed in 2011 by ArtReview as the most influential figure in contemporary art, created this work after witnessing discarded life vests on the shores of Lesbos. Transformed into the body of a snake, they stand as...
EXH#03 is the third major presentation of the Vanhaerents Art Collection, showcasing both recent acquisitions and seminal works in the unique context of a viewing depot. Inspired by the Chinese zodiac sign of the snake—symbol of creativity, curiosity, confidence, and generosity—this 2024 exhibition brings together large-scale pieces that fuse aesthetic innovation with emotional intensity. One of the central highlights is Life Vest Snake (2019) by Ai Weiwei, a monumental 22-meter installation composed of 140 life jackets used by refugees to cross the Mediterranean Sea. Ai Weiwei, hailed in 2011 by ArtReview as the most influential figure in contemporary art, created this work after witnessing discarded life vests on the shores of Lesbos. Transformed into the body of a snake, they stand as a haunting symbol of human resilience and global crisis. Known for his unflinching political activism and defiance of China’s regime, Ai’s art gives voice to the displaced and oppressed. EXH#03 – Year of the Dragon explores themes of oppression, loss of freedom, and the erosion of individuality. Each featured artist contributes a unique lens: Stephan Balleux confronts alienation through grisaille portraiture; Gregory Crewdson captures suburban solitude; Alvaro Barrington critiques labor inequality with raw jute; Jonathan Meese provokes with enigmatic symbolism; Zakaria Ramhani addresses religion and violence; Jin Meyerson visualizes urban and natural upheaval; Ugo Rondinone evokes introspection; Aaron-Viktor Peeters reflects on mining migration; Gillian Wearing unpacks identity through masks; Eddy Kamuanga denounces colonial exploitation in Congo; and Gilbert & George question societal decay through their bodies. Together, these works form a compelling portrait of contemporary life and resistance.