S.M.A.K. Celebrates 40 Years of Chambres d'Amis with Three Artists
In 2026, S.M.A.K. marks the 40th anniversary of Chambres d’Amis, the groundbreaking 1986 exhibition curated by Jan Hoet that placed contemporary art in private homes across Ghent. Fifty-one international artists participated, showing works in living rooms, stair halls, and bedrooms. From 30 May 2026 to 10 January 2027, S.M.A.K. will host three artists—Heike Pallanca, Haim Steinbach, and Susanne Kriemann—each developing a contemporary reflection on the original exhibition within the museum walls. The 1986 event was a turning point in exhibition-making, embedding art in everyday environments to introduce contingency, intimacy, and unpredictability.
Key facts
- S.M.A.K. celebrates 40 years of Chambres d'Amis in 2026.
- The original exhibition in 1986 was curated by Jan Hoet.
- Fifty-one international artists showed work in private homes in Ghent.
- The anniversary exhibition runs from 30 May 2026 to 10 January 2027.
- Three invited artists: Heike Pallanca, Haim Steinbach, Susanne Kriemann.
- Each artist will create a contemporary reflection on Chambres d'Amis.
- Chambres d'Amis marked a turning point in exhibition-making.
- Art was placed in domestic settings to introduce contingency and intimacy.
Entities
Artists
- Jan Hoet
- Heike Pallanca
- Haim Steinbach
- Susanne Kriemann
Institutions
- S.M.A.K.
Locations
- Ghent
- Belgium