Statement:

Despite the many claims of its death, painting remains a thriving art form. This group exhibition featuring work by 74 artists outlines the medium's recent evolutions and trends in Belgium.

Painting After Painting showcases the work of over seventy contemporary painters. Without striving for completeness, S.M.A.K. attempts to outline the recent developments and trends in the medium.///

Artists today draw on the motifs and techniques of the past, but equally explore and push the boundaries of the discipline.

Some create narrative works addressing their daily lives, political and social issues, or questions of identity, gender and representation.

Others adopt a more abstract or formalist language and explore the relationship with other contemporary image-making forms.

Painting After Painting aims to celebrate the depth and complexity of the medium painting. The exhibition is complemented by a richly illustrated catalogue, featuring essays by Dominic van den Boogerd and Tanja Boon.

Furthermore, S.M.A.K. will transform Room 1 into a painting studio throughout the exhibition period, offering visitors, including groups and schools, an opportunity to express their own artistic creativity.