This exhibition serves as an homage to Gilberte 'Gigi' Ghesquière, showcasing the most significant art donation in the history of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA). The collection features 131 works, primarily modern art, ranging from iconic international names like Picasso and Basquiat to esteemed Belgian artists.
The 'To Gigi' exhibition celebrates the transformative bequest of Gilberte Ghesquière, a donation that has profoundly enriched the KMSKA's modern art holdings. The collection encompasses 131 works, filling critical gaps in the museum's existing inventory, particularly regarding international modernists such as Pablo Picasso, Sonia Delaunay, Le Corbusier, Egon Schiele, Francis Bacon, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The bequest also bolsters the museum's abstract art and small-scale sculpture holdings with significant contributions from artists like Kurt Schwitters and Julio González.
Beyond international masters, the exhibition highlights the couple's penchant for Belgian art, reflecting their intuitive collecting process based on visual contemplation. Visitors can explore a rich variety of styles, including dreamy landscapes by Léon Spilliaert, piquant drawings by Félicien Rops, and works by Jules Schmalzigaug. Presented in the intimate cabinets on the museum's third floor, the exhibition is named after a personal dedication found on a drawing by Emiel Veranneman, honoring Ghesquière's generous contribution to the institution's legacy.