Antwerp
Completed

To Gigi Modern Art Exhibition at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

A tribute showcasing the historic Gilberte Ghesquière modern art bequest of one hundred thirty-one masterpieces.

Discover the monumental art donation bequeathed by Gilberte Ghesquière to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. This tribute exhibition presents over one hundred modern artworks, including masterpieces by Picasso, Basquiat, Bacon, and Delaunay, alongside renowned Belgian creators. Visitors can experience a diverse selection of modernist sculptures, drawings, and abstract art displayed in the intimate third-floor cabinets.

About To Gigi at KMSKA | Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp in Antwerp

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for To Gigi at KMSKA | Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp in Antwerp

Exhibition summary

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.

Curatorial context

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.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets for the museum can be booked through the official KMSKA website. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit in advance to explore the permanent collection alongside current exhibitions.

To Gigi key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for To Gigi at KMSKA | Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp in Antwerp

Venue
KMSKA | Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Sep 24, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features works by international and Belgian artists, including Pablo Picasso, Sonia Delaunay, Le Corbusier, Egon Schiele, Francis Bacon, Tom Wesselman, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kurt Schwitters, Pierre-Louis Flouquet, Julio González, Pablo Gargallo, Jacques Lipchitz, Constant Permeke, Léon Spilliaert, Félicien Rops, Frits Van den Berghe, James Ensor, Jules Schmalzigaug, and Roger Wittewrongel.
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