Expo – Stockmanszwart

For more than sixty years, Piet Stockmans has been associated with a single color: the iconic Stockmans blue. From late May onwards, he lets go of that blue. For the first time in his career, he presents black work.

In his studio at C-mine, the 85-year-old artist will soon present a new series created during a period of loss and confrontation. Three weeks ago, his wife passed away. His cancer has spread throughout his body. These are the circumstances in which he is creating new work, likely for the last time.

For an artist who for decades was synonymous with a sky-blue signature, this is more than an aesthetic choice; it is an act of mourning, a testimony.

“The sun can hardly break through the clouds,” he says. Yet he does not stop. On the contrary, he continues to work. Not from fear of death – “I am not afraid at all” – but from a deep awareness of time. “Perhaps I may now create my most beautiful works. It would be a pity if I didn’t.”

His black ceramics are multi-layered: within the abstract forms, one can recognize a tree, a young face, an old face, an unbearable weight. Piet Stockmans creates work that acts as a mirror – not only of his own life, but of life itself.

The exhibition also includes his own coffin, which he had designed by a close friend a few years ago. A piece with a small drawer at the bottom, intended for his ashes. “I am obliged to be cremated, because I have made everything in my life with fire.”

During a visit to the blue heaven exhibition, this exhibition is also highlighted.

The exhibition opens at the end of May. If you would like to be invited, please fill in “Stay informed” at the bottom of this page.