The Art of War


War is of all time. The era, the stakes and the opponents might differ, but there always is a human side of things that is painfully similar. Dispair, pain, devastation and loss are but a few of the many feelings that take the upperhand during and after war time.

'The Art of War’ shows a series of art works of acclaimed artists who -all in their own time-  reacted against war and violence.  you will encounter authentic and raw etchings by Otto Dix, Georges Grosz en Francisco Goya. apart from these, there is also work by  Pablo Picasso, Max Beckmann, Frans Masereel, Paul Van Ostaijen and others.

 

THe ART OF WAR

sun_tzu_general.jpgFor the titel of the exhibition, inspiration came from the Chinese generaal Sun Tzu who wrote his manual for warfare 'The Art of War' as early as the 5th century B.C. In this manual, he describes a series of methods for warfare and strategies to deal with conflicts. Until today his ideas are still being used in corporate environments. Although his writings focus on warfare, Sun Tzu's primary aim always entails avoiding violent conflict. Conflict and opposite opinions do not necessarily have to be promblematic. But they become so whenever they are settled with violence. The UN puts it like this:
“The United Nations stands for peaceful resolution of disputes and wants to put an end to all forms of violence. The termination of violence can begin at each of our homes, at school and at work.”


The exhibition focusses on work of 20th century artists. They all react to the violence in either the First World War, the Spanish Civil War or the Second World War. The scenography clusters the art works around themes and thereby breaks a chronological setup.  


ARTISTS ON DISPLAY

  

MAX BECKMANN - OTTO DIX - FRANCISCO GOYA - GEORGE GROSZ - PABLO PICASSO - PAUL JOOSTENS - FRANS MASEREEL - LUDWIG MEIDNER - MAX PECHSTEIN - PAUL VAN OSTAIJEN     - WILLEM SEGHERS - ERICH HECKEL 


PRACTICAL INFO

- Ticket prices:
  • Individual tickets:
    • Adults: €9
    • -21 years old: €4
    • Combi with the permanent exhibition: €16
  • Groups (15 - 20 pp.):
    • €7,5
    • Optional: guide: €50
There is an audioguide available that can be downloaded on your own mobile device (phone, tablet).