11 march 2024, Yves Joris
The sacred art of Kristel Van Ballaer
Following the vibrant art of Stefan Annerel and Stéphanie Leblon, it now appears that Kristel Van Ballaer intends to strip the gallery of nearly all colour. With her exhibition Genius Loci, the artist brings forth the beauty and essence of the 'Quiet Campine' to Art Gallery De Wael 15. The exhibition features work inspired by her immediate (Campine) surroundings. Van Ballaer transforms ordinary landscapes into utopian vistas, delicately exploring the boundaries between reality and imagination. From petite artworks to grand sculptures that fill the gallery, her creations intricately capture the essence of the location in a unique and profound way.
What do we envision when we think of the 'spirit of the place'? The notion of ‘genius loci’ transcends the mere physical attributes of a location; it embodies the unique atmosphere, character and identity inherently tied to a place. In ancient Roman religion, it was regarded as a protective spirit or deity dwelling within each place that should be revered. Today, the concept is used widely in art and architecture to encapsulate and enrich the distinct qualities of a place.
An artist or architect inspired by the genius loci of a place seeks to depict not only the form, colour, light, sound, smell and texture of that location, but also the meaning, history, culture, emotion and imagination it evokes. Consequently, a work of art or a building can engage in dialogue with the place, narrate a tale about it or infuse a new dimension into it.
Kristel Van Ballaer, ‘Golden Gideline’, 2023, Art Gallery De Wael 15
The spirit of Quiet Campine
Kristel Van Ballaer's exhibition serves as an example of how an artist can explore and articulate his or her environment. Her creations draw inspiration from the allure and essence of the ‘Quiet Campine’, the immediate environs of her studio. Using an array of materials and techniques, including wood, metal, textiles, photography and 3D printing, she illustrates and explores the interconnection between humans and nature. Her work entices viewers to immerse themselves in, appreciate and reflect on the concept of ‘home’. Yet, Van Ballaer not only fosters a sense of connection, but also induces a disquieting experience through the various techniques she uses. Everyday landscape photographs are often starkly intersected with abstract-geometric forms, prompting contemplation on their origin within the landscape. At times, the razor-sharp contours evoke echoes of the hard-edge style characteristic of abstract artists like Ellsworth Kelly.
Kristel Van Ballaer, ‘Viewing Point’, 2024, Art Gallery De Wael 15
It is not prohibited to enter the sculpture
A highlight of the exhibition is the installation Portal, an imposing architectural creation that invites the visitor to embark on a symbolic passage to another realm. This human-scale sculpture inspires a sense of perplexity. Unlike the other work, this piece nearly envelops the entirety of the gallery's rear, almost compelling the visitor to diminish in stature to navigate past it. Yet, the open structure offers no resistance should you simply choose to walk through it. This juxtaposition prompts a necessary confrontation. Do we permit ourselves to infringe on this 'sacred' sculptural space? Or do we respectfully probe the boundaries of this interplay of lines?
Kristel Van Ballaer, ‘Dancing Lines’, 2023, Art Gallery De Wael 15
Genius Loci transcends the notion of ‘exhibition’; it stands as a philosophical odyssey and confrontation with the spirit of a place. Van Ballaer extends an invitation to the viewer to delve into the deeper layers of our relationship with the world around us, to pause and to cherish.
