Melancholy, nostalgia, fragility or darkness, but without being sombre? Duality is probably key in the still young body of work of Gert Motmans. It balances between figurative and abstract, complexity and a – deceitful – simplicity.
The graduate from the royal academy of Fine Arts, visual artist and fashion designer puts his identity, personality, personal experiences and dreams first in his collages. Motmans’ pictures express a desire for another world. A longing for familiarity and nostalgia. At the same time his images seem to embrace a threatening, futuristic vision.

The fragile works seem to feed on romanticism as well as minimalism. It shows a sense of great tenderness and sensuality but also of apprehension,  a slight fear to possibly lose something.

ÆTHER/MASS is the design studio of Davy Grosemans. He personally describes his unique and experimental creations as ‘objects in search of meaning’. ÆTHER/MASS emerged from a belief in the collaboration between designer and maker. The emphasis is on the creative process and collaboration with artisans, culminating in exceptional collections characterized by meticulous attention to detail and finishing. The emphasis lies not so much on the function of the objects but rather on their expressive qualities. 

ÆTHER/MASS consistently strives to delve into the essence of each object. How far can you manipulate the meaning or function to the extent that it loses its original function or undergoes a shift in significance? Restricting each edition to 12 pieces allows for sufficient time and space to persist in creating experimental, one-of-a-kind, and expressive works. The fulfillment derives from the creative process and collaboration, wherein the path from concept to final prototype carries at least as much sigificance as the ultimate outcome.

Bert Keyaerts (b. 1983, Belgium) is a contemporary woodturner. Both of his grandfathers were carpenters, and he inherited their passion for wood as a beautiful material to build and create.

His journey began with exploring furniture making and gradually evolved into turning vessels, hollow forms, and other interior objects on the wood lathe.

Unlike traditional woodworking, where wood is dried and flattened before use, Bert’s method involves using green, unseasoned wood to create unique shapes by combining various turning and finishing techniques. As the moisture evaporates from the wood, the form changes, resulting in an uneven piece.

Cracks, knots, and imperfections are incorporated into his work, serving as a reminder of the tree it came from. All materials are locally sourced or reclaimed.