Diverse Perspectives on Identity: Four New Exhibitions Arrive at FOMU Antwerp
Antwerp's prominent photography museum, FOMU, is set to launch four distinct exhibitions starting 20 March. Located in the lively South quarter ('t Zuid) of the city, the museum is introducing a diverse season of programming that spans solo retrospectives, community collaborations, and deep dives into archival collections.
These upcoming showcases explore pressing themes of representation, cultural identity, and the evolving definition of family, offering local visitors and international travelers alike a comprehensive look at contemporary lens-based art.
Major Retrospectives and Solo Debuts in Antwerp
Highlighting the upcoming season is the first major retrospective in Belgium dedicated to influential American artist Carrie Mae Weems. Titled The Heart of the Matter, the exhibition brings together more than one hundred photographs and video installations. Weems' highly regarded work examines complex narratives surrounding race, power, memory, and gender, often positioning herself as both guide and muse within her imagery.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view iconic series alongside a newer body of work titled Preach (2024), which explores faith and spirituality as tools of social resistance. This major presentation is organized by Gallerie d’Italia (the museum of Intesa Sanpaolo) in partnership with Aperture. For those wishing to take a piece of the exhibition home, an illustrated publication is available through the FOMU shop for €63.
Running concurrently is the first Belgian solo exhibition for Diane Severin Nguyen, titled IF REVOLUTION IS A SICKNESS. Nguyen’s immersive installation uses the vibrant and highly stylized visual language of K-pop music videos to follow a Vietnamese-Polish teenager in Warsaw. Through this captivating medium, the artist examines themes of nationalism, belonging, and how young people forge their identities within complex global political landscapes.
Exploring Shared Histories and Collective Spaces
Beyond solo presentations, FOMU is utilizing its extensive permanent collection to present Families. This exhibition contrasts historic photo albums with contemporary works to challenge traditional depictions of the family unit. To add a literary dimension to the visual displays, author Niña Weijers has penned ten personal texts reflecting on motherhood, kinship, and the concept of chosen families. The exhibition features a wide array of international and local photographers, prompting visitors to reflect on how they document their own personal histories.
The final new addition to the spring lineup is Tenderly There, curated by the Brussels-based Tashattot Collective. This exhibition represents a collaborative take-over of the museum space, focusing on queer intimacy within the SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) region. By displaying historical archives alongside contemporary photography, the showcase highlights the quiet, everyday moments of connection and solidarity captured by displaced and European-based SWANA artists.
Planning Your Visit to Antwerp’s Photo Museum
These four exhibitions offer an excellent opportunity to experience one of Europe's most significant photography collections. Located near Antwerp's other major cultural hubs in the South quarter, a visit to FOMU can easily be paired with exploring the surrounding galleries, cafes, and historic architecture.
Whether you are planning a dedicated cultural weekend or simply looking to discover local arts during your stay, you can plan your itinerary with Musemap (musemap.art). Discover more details on current shows by checking the local exhibitions list or explore other prominent museums in Antwerp to make the most of your cultural journey.
