Beaufort24 Transforms Belgium's Coast with Art Exploring Sustainability and Connection
Belgium's coastal region is once again transformed by the triennial Beaufort exhibition, this time titled 'Fabrics of Life'. Stretching 67 kilometers from De Panne to Knokke-Heist, Beaufort24 features 18 artworks that weave together themes of sustainability, memory, and human connection.
The exhibition, curated by Claire Le Restif, explores these themes through a variety of mediums. Maëlle Dufour's 'Capsule' in De Panne uses mirrors to distort the landscape and reflect on humanity's control over nature. Meanwhile, Selva Aparicio's 'At Rest' in Nieuwpoort is a living memorial etched with the handprints of residents, honouring present and past generations.
Johan Creten's 'The Herring' in Blankenberge symbolizes nature, fertility, and strength with a 5-meter-high statue of a woman holding a herring. Elsewhere, Filip Vervaet's 'Staging Sea' and Lucie Lanzini's 'Trouble Sea' explore the presence and absence of the sea through glass structures. Jorge Macchi's 'All the Words in the World' represents the breakdown of communication across generations and cultures.
Visitors can explore Beaufort24 by theme or area using the coastal tram, which connects 16 stops closest to the artworks. The exhibition runs until 3 November, 2024, offering a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art in a natural setting.
