Bert De Leeuw Exhibition at KMSKA Antwerp: What Appears, Disappears

This exhibition provides a broad overview of the work of Antwerp-born artist Bert De Leeuw (1926–2007), tracing his evolution from experimental matter painting in the late 1950s to his later three-dimensional sculptures. The show highlights his lifelong fascination with the origins and transience of life, themes he explored through diverse materials and structural forms.

The exhibition offers an immersive dive into the oeuvre of self-taught artist Bert De Leeuw, who was born a century ago in Antwerp’s Zuid district. His work, which gained international recognition, was characterized by an experimental approach to materials—ranging from glass beads and polystyrene to bronze—and a persistent inquiry into the nature of existence. The exhibition documents this creative journey, starting with his late 1950s 'paintings of matter,' which incorporate textured, primordial forms, and moving through his transition to three-dimensional art in the mid-1960s. Visitors can explore his thematic focus on uncertainty, wonderment, and the cosmic totality of life, supported by sketches, maquettes, and models. A central feature of the exhibition is his later work, including the significant 'Similaun 3000' sculpture, which links prehistoric archeological history with the future of humanity. Curated with a special scenography by the artist's son, Hendrik De Leeuw, the exhibition invites a deep engagement with the artist's unique visual language and structural exploration.

The exhibition is included in the standard museum admission ticket. Visitors do not need to book a separate time slot to view this exhibition in the Print Room on the third floor of the museum.