Exhibition Review: Harry Gruayert - La part des choses
This month, I set out to explore more exhibitions in my art-filled city, and I stumbled upon a true gem - "Harry Gruyaert - La part des choses." This captivating exhibition, on display until September 24th at the Bal, offers an enriching and affordable experience that any art enthusiast would cherish.
Before delving into the exhibition itself, let's take a moment to learn about the photographer behind these mesmerising images. Harry Gruyaert, born in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1941, honed his skills in photography and cinema at a school in Brussels during 1959-1962. His journey continued in Paris, where he worked as a photography director for television. It was a transformative trip to New York in 1968 that introduced him to the world of Pop Art and the power of colours. From then on, his perception of daily life changed; it was no longer monochromatic. Gruyaert traveled extensively, visiting the United States, India, Japan, Egypt, and Morocco by the late 1970s. He is hailed as one of the pioneers of colour photography, alongside notable names like Saul Leiter, Joel Meyerowitz, Stephen Shore, and William Eggleston.
The exhibition, “Harry Gruyaert - La part des choses”, showcases 60 vintage prints created between 1974 and 1996 using the Cibachrome process. This process is renowned for its exceptional colour saturation, resulting in prints that truly come to life. These prints were gathered thanks to loans from several collectors and the Gallery FIFTY ONE in Antwerp.
Stepping into the vibrant world of Harry Gruyaert, I was immediately captivated by the plethora of eye-catching prints adorning the walls. This exhibition was a testament to the power of photography in storytelling and art, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The curation stood out with its completeness, offering a comprehensive and well-rounded view of the photographer's vision. Through the 60 vintage prints, we were invited to explore Gruyaert's hometown as well as memories from his numerous trips around the world. The collection transported us through diverse landscapes, cultures, and emotions, making it a truly immersive experience.
The beautifully framed prints added to the visual appeal, with the size and positioning playing creatively with the passepartout. Additionally, the use of film to display some of the photographs added an extra layer of charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia that kept us eagerly anticipating the next frame.
However, it was a Saturday afternoon when I visited, and the crowd was quite significant. While it was great to see so many people appreciating art, it did make it a bit challenging to fully immerse oneself in the experience at times. Nonetheless, the colourful and diverse array of photographs compensated for the slight inconvenience. Each image told a unique story, and as a visitor, I found myself getting lost in the captured moments, reflecting on the emotions and narratives behind them.
Overall, "Harry Gruyaert - La part des choses" was a gem of an exhibition that provided a lot to see and experience. From the completeness of the curation to the artful framing of the prints and the captivating film displays, it offered an excellent value for the ticket price. If you have a love for photography or simply enjoy immersing yourself in captivating visuals, this exhibition is a must-visit.
I highly recommend checking it out while it's still running, and if possible, consider visiting on a quieter day to fully savour the rich stories presented by these talented photographers. This exhibition is a delightful testament to the beauty of the art of photography and its ability to transport us through time and emotion.