M A G E L L A N | 2 July - 28 August 2022 - Overview

"We see that more and more collectible design is offered at international art fairs, and works of art at design fairs.

With M A G E L L A N, we want to offer the enthusiast and collector of both disciplines a total package, and take them into the world of both Atelier Ecru Gallery and Barbé Urbain."
— Oliver Barbé, Stéphanie Frederickx and Christophe Urbain

Atelier Ecru gallery and the Ghent art gallery Barbé Urbain gallery are joining forces to set up M A G E L L A N: a joint initiative that organises art and design exhibitions outside the permanent gallery spaces in Ghent.

This summer, we are moving into the iconic modernist corner building by architect Huib Hoste in Knokke - also known as the Dr De Beir residence. From 2 July to 28 August, we will be presenting exhibitions with various artists and designers whom we both represent or with whom we collaborate under the umbrella term

M A G E L L A N.

During this summer, works are presented by artists such as Adelheid De Witte, Charlie De Voet, Flexboj & LA, Joost Pauwaert, Stijn Ank, Thomas Renwart, Sybren Vanoverberghe, Middernacht & Alexander, Katrien Doms, Alex De Bruycker and by designers such as Linde Freya Tangelder, Pierre De Valck, Maria Scarpulla, BRUT Collective, Nathalie Van der Massen and Laurids Gallée, Adeline Halot, Domingos Tótora, Cedric Breisacher, Charlotte Jonckheer, Bram Vanderbeke, Delphine Cobbaert, Carine Boxy, Jojo Corväiá, Frédéric Saulou, Maison Armand Jonckers, Lucas Morten, Tim Vranken, ...

Named after Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who led the first voyage around the world, the new joint project aims to offer a voyage of discovery through the worlds of contemporary art and design. This results in various curated presentations offering a separate total experience in each room of the iconic house.

Barbé Urbain and Atelier Ecru Gallery were established simultaneously some 4.5 years ago. From the start, we have both strived to build exhibitions as total experiences.

Both galleries focus on guiding, supporting, promoting and framing creators - designers or artists. We present a diverse programme in which young, emerging talents are placed in dialogue with more experienced and established names.

Location: House Dr. De Beir by architect Huib Hoste - Dumortierlaan 8, 8300 Knokke-Heist - Belgium

THU - MON: 11 AM - 6 PM or 7/7 BY APPOINTMENT

ABOUT THE LOCATION:

The building is virtually the earliest example of modernism in Belgium and is considered an iconic basic work of modern architecture in Flanders.

This image-defining corner house was built in 1924, commissioned by Dr De Beir and designed by architect Huib Hoste (Bruges). The art-loving doctor asks Huib Hoste to build a large and inexpensive house for his practice and family, in the "new style". Huib Hoste takes the opportunity to experiment with the construction of the building: use of cinder or ashlar concrete.

The original use of materials gives a visual translation of the different functions: ground floor with practice and service rooms is clad with red Boom tiles, the upper floor with the living and sleeping quarters is indicated by a black tarred parement, which separates the house from the ground. The large concrete window frames in the superstructure form large composing surfaces, which are divided into smaller ones. The fixed windows are series-produced from reinforced concrete. The opening parts are deeper in the façade surface and are made of wood.

Designed at the height of his career, this house is a typical example of the way in which Hoste applied the principles of the Dutch 'Stijl' movement, and can be considered as the basic work of modern architecture in Flanders.