New Summer Exhibitions at FOMU Photo Museum Antwerp: .tiff 2026 and Kelvin Haizel
Antwerp's premier photography hub is preparing to launch its summer season with two distinct exhibitions opening on June 26, 2026. Visitors to FOMU | Photo Museum Antwerp can look forward to a dual program that highlights the future of Belgian photography alongside a deeply analytical project exploring colonial archives through a scientific and artistic lens. Both exhibitions will run until August 23, 2026, offering a compelling look at how contemporary artists are pushing the boundaries of the photographic medium.
Discovering New Visual Voices: .tiff 2026
For those interested in the cutting edge of local photography, the annual .tiff exhibition provides an essential overview of rising talent in Belgium. Every year, FOMU selects ten up-and-coming photographers who live or work in the country, providing them with a platform that includes a dedicated magazine, exhibition space, professional coaching, and international networking opportunities.
The 2026 selection includes works by Chloé Azzopardi, Téo Becher, Aliki Christoforou, Yaqine Hamzaoui, Tatjana Huong Henderieckx, Simen K. Lambrecht, Tom Lyon, Natalie Malisse, Anthony Ngoya, and Darwin Taday Cabrera. To ensure a diverse and dynamic representation of the current photographic landscape, the artists were chosen by an independent panel consisting of curator Cale Garrido, artistic director Magali Elali, and artist Youqine Lefèvre.
This platform is organized in collaboration with Futures, a European photography network, and is supported by the Creative Europe program of the European Union. Visitors can also purchase the accompanying .tiff portfolio magazine in the museum shop for €7 to take a piece of this emerging talent home.
Re-evaluating the Archive: Kelvin Haizel’s Material Revolts
Running alongside the emerging talent showcase is Material Revolts: Ecosystem against Empire, a solo exhibition by Ghanaian artist Dr. Kelvin Haizel. Born in 1987, Haizel has built an international reputation for testing the boundaries of the photographic image, particularly through his research on how microscopic biological processes can transform archival pictures.
The core of Haizel’s exhibition at FOMU is a historical photo album from the museum's own collection, dating back to 1885. The album contains ten portraits of Congolese individuals who were brought to Antwerp to be displayed in a human zoo during the 1885 World's Fair.
Rather than treating these old albumen prints as frozen historical records, Haizel views them as living materials. By focusing on and magnifying the physical changes occurring within the prints—such as the growth of fungi, bacteria, and chemical reactions—he brings a fresh perspective to these difficult colonial images. This unique intersection of science and history challenges viewers to reconsider how colonial narratives are preserved and presented. The exhibition is the result of a 2024 residency with the Thinking Tools research group at KASKA.
Looking Ahead: A Sneak Peek at the Autumn Program
Following the summer exhibitions, FOMU has also announced two major presentations for its autumn schedule, running from September 18, 2026, to January 17, 2027:
- Graciela Iturbide – Eyes to Fly With: A comprehensive retrospective of the celebrated Mexican photographer featuring approximately 160 works. The exhibition spans iconic black-and-white series like Juchitán de las Mujeres alongside more intimate projects, including her rare photographs of Frida Kahlo's private bathroom.
- Léonard Pongo – Dialogue with the Source: An immersive spatial installation by Belgian-Congolese artist Léonard Pongo. Utilizing photography, video, and textiles, the show presents nine years of visual research in the Democratic Republic of Congo, drawing inspiration from local traditions and natural philosophies.
Whether you are a local resident or visiting the city for the weekend, FOMU offers a thought-provoking destination in Antwerp’s vibrant South quarter ('t Zuid). To help plan your cultural itinerary and discover more artistic landmarks in the area, use Musemap (musemap.art) to explore more museums in Antwerp or find out what's on in the local art scene.
