'Moving Traces 08' exhibition examines the essence of movement through objects

Moving Traces 08 by Atelier Ecru Gallery in Ghent, Belgium, is an intriguing group exhibition that showcases a variety of artworks conceived by both renowned and emerging designers and artists. The compelling works exhibited address the idea of movement and the traces they leave behind. The exhibit on view from May 13 - July 9, 2023, lets artists and designers bring to the table, their distinctive take on the theme of the exhibition, showcasing pieces that convey dynamism, energy, and the intangible, fleeting nature of 'movement.'

Moving Traces 08 features objects that employ a wide range of mediums and techniques, presenting a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, from prints and art sculptures to installations and interactive pieces within the art gallery. Some of the artists showcasing their inspiring works include Tim Vranken, Pierre De Valck, Anthony Leenders, Cedric Breisacher, Charlotte Jonckheer, destroyers/builders, Evy Bosman, Jojo Corväiá, Jumandie Seys, Katrien Doms Roan Van Oort, and Wilhelm Beestermöller. Each artist showcases their material explorations manifested through artworks, art installations, furniture designs, and sculptures.

The exhibition showcases designs that are articulated in a plethora of diverse materials such as clay, leather, aluminium, roof slate, platane wood, tulipwood, ink, concrete, burned yellow pine, Nefrite jade and paper composites, to name a few. Through their works, these skilled artists and designers effectively express the essence of movement, across all of its manifestations—physical, emotional, and conceptual. They encourage the viewers to consider the imprints we leave on the world around us, as we continue our daily lifestyles.

Some of the works on display include Belgian furniture designer Tim Vranken’s new collection featuring the 'Nave Cross' and 'Norma Table' crafted with burned yellow pine. Designer and sculptor Cedric Breisacher’s 'Slice' table and stool design collection explores the materiality of sycamore and platane wood. Studio destroyers/builders founded by Linde Freya Tangelder displayed their table designs that employ aluminium and concrete composite.

Others, like Ghent-based designer Pierre De Valck and multidisciplinary designer Jumandie Seys used unique materials such as Nefrite jade and leather respectively, establishing a sense of curiosity and movement, while designer Charlotte Jonckheer’s 'Masse' table collection is crafted with paper composite. Artists Roan Van Oort and Wilhelm Beestermöller have utilised materials such as sand combined with lime, and printer ink with foil respectively, as Anthony Leenders combines roof slate, copper, steel, silicon, and alabaster for his collection on display. The smoked ceramic art pieces conceived by sculpture artist Evy Bosman utilises clay, terra sigillata, pigment, and wax.

The sculptural objects on display attest to the meticulous blend of experimentation and craftsmanship, coming to life in a seamless choreography of motion and brushstrokes that dance over canvases. Every turn reveals a surprise, showcasing the limitless ingenuity of both up-and-coming, as well as veteran artists. The Moving Traces 08 group exhibition also offers a space for designers and artists to demonstrate their exceptional skills and creative prowess, as well as a setting for viewers to become engrossed with an enthralling investigation into movement and its influence on our lives.

Text by Ria Jha