Bruges Exhibition Aims to Decenter the West at New BRUSK Gallery
The first exhibition at BRUSK, a newly established gallery linked to the Groeningemuseum in Bruges, Belgium, is named 'Bigger Picture: Connected worlds of Bruges 900-1550.' Curated by Peter Frankopan, an Oxford scholar and author known for his work on the Silk Road, the exhibit aims to highlight Bruges's historical ties to the globe while challenging the notion of the 'West' as the center of civilization. This endeavor presents a paradox: to shift focus away from Europe while also emphasizing Bruges's importance in global networks. Featuring over 250 artifacts, including chain mail, ancient silk, notable paintings by Titian, Jan van Eyck, and Hans Memling, the exhibition is organized into four thematic sections, each with unique soundscapes and animations reminiscent of 'Game of Thrones.' Frankopan also appears in a video at the entrance.
Key facts
- BRUSK is a new gallery attached to the Groeningemuseum in Bruges, Belgium.
- The exhibition is titled 'Bigger Picture: Connected worlds of Bruges 900-1550.'
- Peter Frankopan, an Oxford medievalist and author of a popular history of the Silk Road, is the guest curator.
- The exhibition aims to decenter the 'West' and show Bruges's global connections.
- Over 250 objects are on display, including works by Titian, Jan van Eyck, and Hans Memling.
- The exhibition is divided into four 'worlds': North Sea World, Mediterranean World, World of Christianity, and World of the Court.
- Each world has its own soundscape and animations.
- The installation is reminiscent of the opening credits of 'Game of Thrones.'
Entities
Artists
- Titian
- Jan van Eyck
- Hans Memling
- Peter Frankopan
- Gentile Bellini
- Muhammad al-Idrisi
Institutions
- BRUSK
- Groeningemuseum
- National Gallery
- Visit Bruges
- Beaux Arts Magazine
Locations
- Bruges
- Belgium
- England
- Netherlands
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- North Sea
- Asia
- Americas
- Mediterranean
- Dijver 12, 8000 Brugge