New Historical and Contemporary Exhibitions Arrive at FOMU Antwerp
Starting October 24, 2025, FOMU | Photo Museum Antwerp is launching two distinct exhibitions that explore how photographic images shape personal and societal identities. Visitors will have the opportunity to delve into both the deep archives of 19th-century Belgian photography and the contemporary transformations of digital photo studios in Pakistan.
Exploring Belgium's Early Photographic History at FOMU
The larger exhibition, EARLY GAZE - Unseen Photography from the 19th Century, runs from October 24, 2025, until March 1, 2026. This showcase traces the emergence of the medium in Belgium, highlighting how what began as an elite novelty quickly transformed into a tool for state control, scientific documentation, and visual storytelling.
Rather than presenting a purely neutral history, EARLY GAZE features archive pieces—from early judicial mugshots to medical and artistic photography—illustrating how imagery was utilized by the ruling class. To provide a comprehensive view of how visual culture evolved, the exhibition addresses sensitive themes, including colonial documentation and historical medical images, ensuring all displays are properly contextualized for visitors.
For those interested in diving deeper into this history, a companion book titled Early Gaze is published by Hannibal Books and can be acquired through the online museum shop.
Contemporary Identity and Pakistan's Studio Culture
Alongside the historical showcase, FOMU presents Becoming, Belonging and Vanishing by artist Danial Shah, running from October 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Located on the first floor, this exhibition is the result of Shah’s ongoing doctoral research with Sint Lucas School of Arts Antwerp and the University of Antwerp.
Through a combination of film and photography, Shah examines how photo studios in his home city of Quetta, Pakistan, have transitioned from using traditional painted backdrops to digital collage techniques. The project highlights how individuals continue to use these spaces to construct alternative, idealized identities and process personal aspirations amidst changing societal realities.
Enhancing the Museum Experience for Antwerp Visitors
To help visitors connect with these narratives, FOMU has developed several interactive features. Guests can utilize a custom audio guide to explore selected works or watch a series of short educational videos by Abel Kleinblatt illustrating early photographic processes. The museum also invites visitors to sit inside a reconstructed 19th-century photo studio to personally experience the stillness once required to capture a portrait.
Group tours, workshops, and school programs are scheduled throughout the season. Visitors planning a trip can check the full line-up of activities on the official FOMU calendar.
Whether you are looking to discover historical archives or contemporary global perspectives, Musemap (musemap.art) can help guide your cultural journey. You can use our platform to easily search for museums in Antwerp, browse the latest exhibitions and what's on listings, or navigate your way through the city's artistic landmarks with our interactive culture map.
