Experience the Vibrant A Red that Sings Exhibition at KMSKA

This exhibition brings together three influential Belgian modern artists—James Ensor, Rik Wouters, and Jules Schmalzigaug—who redefined painting through the use of rich, unrestrained pigments. By exploring their vibrant use of color, the exhibition examines the role of a fresh visual language in post-Impressionist and Futurist art.

A Red that Sings focuses on the expressive power of color in the work of James Ensor, Rik Wouters, and Jules Schmalzigaug, often referred to as Belgium's Big Three of modern color. The exhibition highlights how these artists moved beyond the softer palettes of the Impressionists to embrace intense, primary hues like vermilion red, deep blue, and bright yellow. Through a selection of works from the KMSKA's own extensive collection and important loans, the presentation invites visitors to experience modern art through the lively rhythm of color, reflecting the period's growing fascination with 'chromesthesia'—the linking of color to sound. Central to the exhibition is the concept of an 'optical polyphony' of color, an idea championed by the Futurists and exemplified in the works of these three masters. From the 'unlikely chords of color' in Ensor’s tableaux to the emotive, gaze-directing red touches in Wouters’ compositions, the exhibition explores how these artists used pigment to create tension and sound within the static frame. Visitors are encouraged to explore these visual symphonies and understand the significant role color played in the development of 20th-century artistic movements.

Visitors can book their tickets through the official KMSKA ticketing portal. Online booking is encouraged to facilitate planning and ensure access to the temporary exhibition space during the dates of the exhibition, 11 April to 30 August 2026.