Atmosville

The Renaissance town hall of Halle, built in 1616, has a captivating character that demands attention. Four new paintings have been created specifically for this unique space, complemented by the interplay of light, remnants of wallpaper removed for archaeological research and the presence of interior objects.

The chandeliers and ceiling lights are lowered to change the somewhat charged atmosphere. The dominance of the fireplace is balanced by the introduction of a long bench facing it. This careful composition creates a dynamic between the existing elements and the new paintings.

During the painting process, the separation and distance between the chandeliers triggered the emergence of organic elements that converge, meet and diverge. Notable are the hollow forms and ‘holes of lack’. The unconventional use of colour, especially the explicit yellow tones, adds to the sense of alienation.

The given framework, with its inherent constraints, paradoxically gives rise to unexpected interventions that make this artistic journey truly fascinating. The infinite mind could never imagine such possibilities on its own. It is within the existing atmospheres that ‘Atmosville’ could come to life.

Curated by Geert Van Doorsselaere and Hugo Meert