Fusion
Fusion is where my work meets that of the versatile artist Diana Coppens. We met at the Academy in Temse. After our duo exhibition 'Verblindende Verbondenheid' at Gallery Conscience 20 (2024), we met regularly at Diana's studio to collaborate and create.
Through her mother, Mariette Coppens, Diana had come into possession of the branches of the chestnut tree that stood in Anne Frank's annex. She regularly spoke about this story and her dream of creating an exhibition with art from those branches. One thing led to another: she asked me to participate, and the story captivated me so much that I said a resounding yes. That is how Fusion came into being.
Inherited Memories
At Fort Breendonk, we hosted the first exhibition centered on Anne Frank's chestnut tree: 'Inherited Memories, What the Walls Remember'. It ran from May 10 to August 30 and was extended until September 13. We also want to move the exhibition to a new location so that the story can become known there as well.
This project remains deliberately open. New works can still emerge from the branches of the chestnut tree. Not because the story is unfinished, but because it is not yet finished with itself. As long as people lose their freedom somewhere, this material continues to have something to say.
The seedlings of the chestnut tree also travel the world. They are planted in places connected to the story of Anne Frank. In this way, the tree continues to grow in new places, while its wood finds its own way in works of art.
The accompanying art pocketbook will also be released soon. You will be able to order it here shortly; more information will follow.
