FLEMISHNESS: Contemporary Art Explores Flemish Identity in Milan
The velo project, an itinerant curatorial initiative established by Veronica Recchia, Lorenzo Pagliani, and Marco Beretta, is showcasing its exhibition titled 'FLEMISHNESS' at Via Romilli 20 in Milan's Corvetto area, running until November 29, 2025. This exhibition features the works of artists Jef Geys (1934–2018), Jan Vercruysse (1949–2018), W. Rossen (b. 1995), and Melle Van Herwaarden (b. 1995), delving into Flemish identity across five centuries. Vercruysse, who refers to himself as 'the last Flemish Primitive,' presents thought-provoking pieces like Paroles XXIV (1998). Geys challenges traditional imagery through local stories, while Rossen's textured surfaces create contrasts. Van Herwaarden's recent portraits of his brother Gijs merge modern life with Flemish artistic traditions, reminiscent of Vercruysse's approach.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'FLEMISHNESS' runs until November 29, 2025 at Via Romilli 20, Milan.
- Organized by velo project, founded by Veronica Recchia, Lorenzo Pagliani, and Marco Beretta.
- Features four artists: Jef Geys (1934–2018), Jan Vercruysse (1949–2018), W. Rossen (b. 1995), Melle Van Herwaarden (b. 1995).
- Explores Flemish identity through over five centuries of art history.
- Jan Vercruysse described himself as 'the last Flemish Primitive'.
- Pieter-Jan De Paepe contributed the critical text for the exhibition.
- W. Rossen's works incorporate a camera on a 17th-century landscape and a newspaper with apparent text.
- Melle Van Herwaarden's recent paintings depict his brother Gijs at the Rietveld Academy.
Entities
Artists
- Veronica Recchia
- Lorenzo Pagliani
- Marco Beretta
- Jef Geys
- Jan Vercruysse
- W. Rossen
- Melle Van Herwaarden
- Pieter-Jan De Paepe
- Gijs
Institutions
- velo project
- Rietveld Academy
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Via Romilli 20
- Corvetto
- Fiandre
- Belgium