PAINTINGS SCULPTURES INSTALLATIONS PERFORMANCES PUBLICATIONS FILMS
PERFORMANCES
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PERFORMANCES —
A SELECTION OF PERFORMANCES
De Smet's performances aim to fill a spiritual gap, using art as a replacement. In light of the tragic events of the last century and the rise of nationalism, his views on spirituality and belonging provide a new and sometimes controversial perspective.
Modern life has created doubt about ritualistic tendencies. Yet, these rituals could help heal a society and guide it towards harmony and order. Like Joseph Beuys, De Smet suggests artists have a responsibility to create new myths, images, and beliefs, inviting viewers to see things differently. Making sense of chaos and filling the void left by faith with art (which can wield power and heal consciousness) is perhaps the artist’s most meaningful purpose today.
ALTAREN IN BEWEGING
ALTARS IN MOTION
Try-out of a new parade.
ALLES VOOR ALLEN? ALLEN VOOR ALLES!
EVERYTHING FOR ALL? ALL FOR EVERYTHING!
Forty Flags with the sayings were carried in the parade "Everything for All, All for Everything". June 28th 2017, Mechelen (BE)
WAREGEM EN WIJDE OMGEVING
WAREGEM AND WIDE SURROUNDINGS
On 24 March 2017, a procession of 306 people carrying signs with place names ending in “-gem” walked through the town of Waregem (BE).
This project aimed to explore borders and nationality. In toponymy, “-gem” means “house of”. Most of these names are in modern-day Flanders, with at least 70 in French Flanders. When the procession reached a canvas factory, boards were added to an installation called ‘Family Constellation’. The procession included majorettes, three brass bands, and flag-wavers carrying the flags from the Wieze procession.
DE STAND DER ZONNEN
THE POSITION OF OUR SUNS
This is the photo story of the planting of the Maypole on May 1, 2015 at the Villa De Olmen garden in Wieze (BE).
This happening took place on the opening of the solo show "The Position of Our Suns". Inspired by the Maypole ritual, a pagan spring celebration in northern and western Europe since the Middle Ages.
Some folklore experts suggest it originated in Germanic paganism and traveled to the rest of Europe, including the British Isles.
DE WANEN IN ONS
THE MADNESS WITHIN
An installation / performance that took place at Verbeke Foundation in 2009, during which the artist burned a straw enlargement of his signature in front of a visiting audience..
DEDICATION PILGRIMAGE
DEDICATION PILGRIMAGE
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APOLLO UNITED
APOLLO UNITED
The soccer match on the specially designed square soccer field, a 1997 work. The field was meticulously crafted based on a square painting of a soccer field, which had been first recorded in 1993.
SLAM POETRY & RACE CAR SLIDE SHOW
SLAM POETRY & RACE CAR SLIDE SHOW
A slam poetry happening with slide projection of modified slides. At the studio, Antwerp, 1993
