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Raoul De Keyser's Major Retrospective at SMAK Ghent Features 100 Works from 1960s to 2012

exhibition · 2026-04-20

SMAK in Ghent is showcasing an extensive exhibition dedicated to Raoul De Keyser, displaying approximately 100 pieces, including paintings, watercolours, and works on paper spanning from the 1960s until his passing in 2012. The exhibition is organized in an elliptical format, emphasizing recurring themes such as a monkey puzzle tree. It opens with a significant moment from 1968 and transitions to a nearby football field. Early pieces delve into window frames and schematic representations of dogs. In the 1970s, De Keyser introduced a minimalist line language, as seen in 'De Zandvio (Sand Flea)' (1976). The 1980s featured works influenced by Gerhard Richter, while the 1990s displayed more fluid styles. The exhibition is on view from 22 September to 27 January.

Key facts

  • Exhibition features approximately 100 works by Raoul De Keyser
  • Spans from 1960s to his death in 2012
  • Non-chronological, elliptical structure with constructed room
  • Centrepiece shows recurring motifs like monkey puzzle tree
  • Begins with reconstruction of 1968 breakthrough moment
  • Early works show post-Matissean intimate studies
  • 1968 shift to football field imagery bridging representation and abstraction
  • Exhibition runs 22 September to 27 January at SMAK Ghent

Entities

Artists

  • Raoul De Keyser
  • Frank Stella
  • Gerhard Richter

Institutions

  • SMAK
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • Ghent
  • Belgium
  • Deinze

Sources