NEL BONTE
The sculptural work of Nel Bonte (°1986) has a strong visual narrative. In her work she lets personal memories and everyday objects interact in a play of image, colour and scale. The sculptures sometimes strongly resemble scale models or prototypes that interact with the public. Small, trivial objects are magnified. Often they are fragments or parts of objects from the world of children that she brings together to form a new whole.
The works are both organic in form and minimal in line. With an eye for aesthetic forms of building constructions, Bonte translates everyday objects into almost architectural sculptures. This distilled vision creates a tension arc with the naive, organic forms. Her art pushes the boundaries of traditional ceramic figurations and transforms into hybrid sculptures that explore themes of tension, vulnerability and sensitivity.
By bringing together works with different textures and vocabulary, Bonte creates new connections that form a playful stylized world. In her creative process, she looks beyond the aesthetics of the material used. In doing so, she uses both the specific properties and the limitations of the different materials.
In recent sculptures Bonte refers to the 'homo ludens'. Iconic forms of children's toys that connect with our collective memory. In the figuration of the game Bonte searches for the beauty and value of human vulnerability and finitude. This combination of playful and deeper themes makes Bonte's work unique. With a deceptive playfulness and naivety the archetype, the myth and the symbolic value of an image are explored.
NEL BONTE (°1986, Roeselare) lives and works in Antwerp and studied visual arts at the KASK, Ghent and obtained a master's degree in visual arts (KASK, Antwerp) and has been exhibiting since 2010. Recent exhibitions are, among others, Art Antwerp; W.A.R.P. led by Stef Van Bellingen (Sint-Niklaas, B), ‘Kamers van Zé’, Antwerp; ‘Oreilles géometrique’, Berlare; ‘The Biennial of Ideas’, Menen; CAPS, Brussels and Ostend, Art on Paper, Brussels (B), ‘Beestig’, in crates by Jan Moeyaert, Damme; ‘Alle rechtlijnen zijn bozen’, CC De Ververij, curated by Jan Leconte, Ronse (B); ‘Kresija Gallery’ Ljubljana (SI), Zebrastraat, Ghent, ‘Compost', curated by Els Wuyts, Herzele.
The sculptural work of Nel Bonte (°1986) has a strong visual narrative. In her work she lets personal memories and everyday objects interact in a play of image, colour and scale. The sculptures sometimes strongly resemble scale models or prototypes that interact with the public. Small, trivial objects are magnified. Often they are fragments or parts of objects from the world of children that she brings together to form a new whole.
The works are both organic in form and minimal in line. With an eye for aesthetic forms of building constructions, Bonte translates everyday objects into almost architectural sculptures. This distilled vision creates a tension arc with the naive, organic forms. Her art pushes the boundaries of traditional ceramic figurations and transforms into hybrid sculptures that explore themes of tension, vulnerability and sensitivity.
By bringing together works with different textures and vocabulary, Bonte creates new connections that form a playful stylized world. In her creative process, she looks beyond the aesthetics of the material used. In doing so, she uses both the specific properties and the limitations of the different materials.
In recent sculptures Bonte refers to the 'homo ludens'. Iconic forms of children's toys that connect with our collective memory. In the figuration of the game Bonte searches for the beauty and value of human vulnerability and finitude. This combination of playful and deeper themes makes Bonte's work unique. With a deceptive playfulness and naivety the archetype, the myth and the symbolic value of an image are explored.
NEL BONTE (°1986, Roeselare) lives and works in Antwerp and studied visual arts at the KASK, Ghent and obtained a master's degree in visual arts (KASK, Antwerp) and has been exhibiting since 2010. Recent exhibitions are, among others, Art Antwerp; W.A.R.P. led by Stef Van Bellingen (Sint-Niklaas, B), ‘Kamers van Zé’, Antwerp; ‘Oreilles géometrique’, Berlare; ‘The Biennial of Ideas’, Menen; CAPS, Brussels and Ostend, Art on Paper, Brussels (B), ‘Beestig’, in crates by Jan Moeyaert, Damme; ‘Alle rechtlijnen zijn bozen’, CC De Ververij, curated by Jan Leconte, Ronse (B); ‘Kresija Gallery’ Ljubljana (SI), Zebrastraat, Ghent, ‘Compost', curated by Els Wuyts, Herzele.
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EDUCATION
2007 - ‘10 Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten, Master in de beeldende Kunsten, Antwerpen (B)
2004 - ‘05 KASK Conservatorium, Bachelor in de beeldende Kunsten, Gent (B)
SOLO & DUO EXHIBITIONS (SELECTION)
2025 'Tamed Animals', Eva Steynen Gallery Antwerp (B)
2024 Art Antwerp, with Eva Steynen Gallery, Antwerp (B)
2023 ‘Oreilles géometrique’, CC Stroming, Berlare (B)
2021 ‘Les invités’, Rivoli, ism Caps, Brussel (B)
‘Storms end somewhere’, Galerie Pinsart, Brugge (B)
2020 ‘Playground’, Roeselare (B)
2018 Zebrastraat, Gent (B)
‘Seasons in the sun’, K1, Warp, Sint Niklaas (B)
2018 ‘Yart’, Duivelsteen, Gent (B)
2013 ‘4N-CASN’, Antwerpen (B), Business center de ijsfabriek, organisator Ingrid Van Alsenoy
NVT Galerie, Gent (B), curators Tom Maeseele, Elske Jansen (duo-exhibition)
‘De muur’, Antwerpen (B), Cultuur centrum Berchem, curator Egon Verleyen,
2012 ‘S-250’, Antwerpen (B), stadsfeestzaal Anwerpen, organisator Britt Vervliet,
2010 ‘Vama Veche’, het Entrepot, Brugge (B), (solotentoonstelling)
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2025 'Memories shape the future', ism KULeuven & Metaforum, Leuven (B)
2024 'CODA', Caps, Kursaal, Oostende (B)
'De biënnale van ideeën', Het voorstel #3 curated by Luk Lambrecht, Menen (B)
Art on Paper, Brussels with Eva Steynen Gallery (B)
'Future Present Continuous', Eva Steynen gallery, Antwerpen (B)
'Fugas & Pimpelmezen, curated by Els Vermeersch, stichting Lucien De Geus, Poperingen (B)
2023 ‘KamersvanZé’, Van Schoonbekestraat, Antwerp Art weekend, Antwerpen (B)
‘Dance and performance art video, Regauche, Brussel (B)
2022 ‘KERK’, gecureerd en collectie Nick Ervinck, Middelkerke (B)
‘Draw me a house’, gecureerd door Jonas Vansteenkiste, Kortrijk (B)
‘Paperwork II’, ism Caps, Oostende (B), (groepstentoonstelling met private collectie van Roger Raveel)
2021 ‘De Biennale van ideeen’ gecureerd door Hans Martens, Menen (B)
‘Tout connaître, rien comprendre’, Galerie Lien Bonte, Antwerpen (B)
‘WOLIBO & CO’, Galerie Pont & Plas, gecureerd door Aline Vandeplas, Gent (B)
‘Turning monsters into pets’, Batiment A, gecureerd door Pieter Léon Vermeersch, Leuven (B)
‘A playground for species’, Studio Nel Bonte, Lichtervelde (B)
‘BEESTIG’, stadfestival Damme, gecureerd door Jan Moeyaert, Damme (B)
‘Onder ons gezegd’ georganiseerd door Marjan Verhaeghe, WARP (B)
2020 ‘Alle rechte lijnen zijn gebogen’, CC De Ververij, curated by Jan Leconte, Ronse (B)
‘Inside / Out, Kasteel Borluut (B), gecureerd door Free Pectoor
‘Composte, gecureerd door Els Wuyts, Herzele (B)
2019 ‘Kresija Gallery’ Ljubljana (SI)
‘Moment’, Tongeren (B)
‘Labo#4’, Leuven (B)
‘Artecture’, Cwart, Knokke (B)
2018 MORBEE Gallery, Knokke (B)
2017 ‘INPUT-OUTPUT’ , De Bond, Brugge (B), curator Roxane Baeyens
‘Ongezien2’, Museumnacht, Antwerpen (B)
‘TIG#5’, De Koer, TUMULT fm, Gent (B)
‘Arttructroc’, BOZAR, Brussel (B)
PRIX MEDIATINE, la médiatine, Brussel (B)
2016 ‘Interrupting the city’, Stadsfeestzaal, Antwerpen (B), curatoren Bert Danckaert, Sarah Van Binsbergen, Pascal Gielen
2015 ‘Buiten de grenzen’, Beaufort 2015, Sint Rochuskerk Blankenberge (B), organisatoren Caroline Voet, Leen De Brabandere
‘Les bruit des choses’, Braem paviljoen, Middelheimmuseum, Antwerpen (B)
2014 ‘Kunstsalon Sant’, Brugge (B), curator Marianne Van Boxelaere,
2013 Muhkademie, Muhka, Antwerpen (B), curatoren Johan Pas, Nico Dockx
NVT Galerie, Gent (B), curatoren Tom Maeseele, Elske Jansen,
2011 ‘Blind date’, Extra City, Antwerpen, curatoren Nico Dockx, Dirk Vander Eecken,
2010 ‘CLUB MORAL rvstd’, Antwerpen (B), curator Danny Devos, (performance)
2010 ‘L’Abondance’, Hofstraat, Antwerpen (B), gecureerd door Koen Theys,
INTEGRATED ART WORKS
2024 'Handen vertellen lijnen van het leven, Vilvoorde (B)
2023 ‘Looking back, looking forward’, Hemiksem (B)
2020 ‘Doef’, Ons Zonneke, Landen (B)
2017 ‘Sniffer’, Kipvis, Vlissingen, schetsontwerp (NL)
2013 ‘Bidibu’, Kinderdag verblijf Bambi, Beringen (B)
‘RE3’, Campus Vesta, Ranst (B)
‘Methuna, DVC 7bergen, Ranst (B)
‘Deux bancs square’, Brussel, schetsontwerp (B)
2011 ‘2-Pillio’, Ocmw Hoogstraten (B)
PRICES
2024 Trophy Deurne, Antwerp (B) Laureaat
2022 Cultureel Ambassadeur, Roeselare (B), laureaat
2013 Prijs Godecharle, Brussel (B), Laureaat
RESIDENCIES
2021 Saeftinghe, in samenwerking met CBK Zeeland (NL)
2019 There is A storm copy that, Ant werp ART, in samenwerking met Frans Masereel Centrum (B)
2019 Werkbezoek, in samenwerking met het Jan Van Rijswijckcentrum en WARP, Ljubljana (SI)
2018 Artist Village, in samenwerking met WARP en Beeldenstorm/Daglicht, Eindhoven (NL)
2018 Back to Basic, Artelis residentie, Haukijärvi (F)
2017 Summerschool #2, making public domain, Middelheimmuseum, Antwerpen (B)
2010 Verbeke Foundation, Stekene (B), ‘Master maquette’, curator Nadia Naveau
PUBLICATIONS
2024 Stek magazine, Memorabilia' nr 5, Carlen Claeys, p6 -8
Antwerp Art Guide, Pieter de Groot, p 92 – 93
2021 Nomade in Kunstenland, OKV nr.4, Daan Rau, 2021, p 2 - p 6
'A playground for species', hardcover boek, 2021
2020 '4321 vragen aan 123 kunstenaars', Hilde Van Canneyt, december, 2020, p. 591 - p. 596
Artikel in de Art Couch, ‘Kunstenaars gaan in dialoog met Jan Van Eyck, door Benedict Vandaele
Tekst naar aanleiding van de solo tentoonstelling ‘PLAYGROUND’, Els Wuyts, februari, 2020
2019 Over het streven naar volmaaktheid, een ontmoeting met Nel Bonte, Hans Theys, januari, 2019
Gesprekken met hedendaagse kunstenaars, Hilde Van Canneyt, oktober, 2019
Labo#4, April, 2019, p.14-15
Cwartaal nr.4, maart, 2019
2018 Kunstenplatform Warp, Laureline Soubrey, oktober, 2018
H Art nr. 182, Juni, 2018
2017 Input - Output, De Bond, oktober, 2017
Prix Médiatine, Wolubilis, februari, 2017, p.29
2016 Stimulans 16, Ann - Sophie Marien en Catherine Baelde, mei, 2016, p. 10 - p.11
2014 'One armed man', Jens Dawn, DOP platform vzw, 2014, p. 60
Pro-positions, Art and/as education, Nico Dockx, Els De Bruyn en Johan Pas, p. 304
2013 Mukhazine, Muhkademy, 2013
2012 De Hoogstraatse maand, maart, 2012, p. 14 - p. 15
2011 Blind date, Nico Dockx, maart, 2011, p. 10
2007 - ‘10 Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten, Master in de beeldende Kunsten, Antwerpen (B)
2004 - ‘05 KASK Conservatorium, Bachelor in de beeldende Kunsten, Gent (B)
SOLO & DUO EXHIBITIONS (SELECTION)
2025 'Tamed Animals', Eva Steynen Gallery Antwerp (B)
2024 Art Antwerp, with Eva Steynen Gallery, Antwerp (B)
2023 ‘Oreilles géometrique’, CC Stroming, Berlare (B)
2021 ‘Les invités’, Rivoli, ism Caps, Brussel (B)
‘Storms end somewhere’, Galerie Pinsart, Brugge (B)
2020 ‘Playground’, Roeselare (B)
2018 Zebrastraat, Gent (B)
‘Seasons in the sun’, K1, Warp, Sint Niklaas (B)
2018 ‘Yart’, Duivelsteen, Gent (B)
2013 ‘4N-CASN’, Antwerpen (B), Business center de ijsfabriek, organisator Ingrid Van Alsenoy
NVT Galerie, Gent (B), curators Tom Maeseele, Elske Jansen (duo-exhibition)
‘De muur’, Antwerpen (B), Cultuur centrum Berchem, curator Egon Verleyen,
2012 ‘S-250’, Antwerpen (B), stadsfeestzaal Anwerpen, organisator Britt Vervliet,
2010 ‘Vama Veche’, het Entrepot, Brugge (B), (solotentoonstelling)
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2025 'Memories shape the future', ism KULeuven & Metaforum, Leuven (B)
2024 'CODA', Caps, Kursaal, Oostende (B)
'De biënnale van ideeën', Het voorstel #3 curated by Luk Lambrecht, Menen (B)
Art on Paper, Brussels with Eva Steynen Gallery (B)
'Future Present Continuous', Eva Steynen gallery, Antwerpen (B)
'Fugas & Pimpelmezen, curated by Els Vermeersch, stichting Lucien De Geus, Poperingen (B)
2023 ‘KamersvanZé’, Van Schoonbekestraat, Antwerp Art weekend, Antwerpen (B)
‘Dance and performance art video, Regauche, Brussel (B)
2022 ‘KERK’, gecureerd en collectie Nick Ervinck, Middelkerke (B)
‘Draw me a house’, gecureerd door Jonas Vansteenkiste, Kortrijk (B)
‘Paperwork II’, ism Caps, Oostende (B), (groepstentoonstelling met private collectie van Roger Raveel)
2021 ‘De Biennale van ideeen’ gecureerd door Hans Martens, Menen (B)
‘Tout connaître, rien comprendre’, Galerie Lien Bonte, Antwerpen (B)
‘WOLIBO & CO’, Galerie Pont & Plas, gecureerd door Aline Vandeplas, Gent (B)
‘Turning monsters into pets’, Batiment A, gecureerd door Pieter Léon Vermeersch, Leuven (B)
‘A playground for species’, Studio Nel Bonte, Lichtervelde (B)
‘BEESTIG’, stadfestival Damme, gecureerd door Jan Moeyaert, Damme (B)
‘Onder ons gezegd’ georganiseerd door Marjan Verhaeghe, WARP (B)
2020 ‘Alle rechte lijnen zijn gebogen’, CC De Ververij, curated by Jan Leconte, Ronse (B)
‘Inside / Out, Kasteel Borluut (B), gecureerd door Free Pectoor
‘Composte, gecureerd door Els Wuyts, Herzele (B)
2019 ‘Kresija Gallery’ Ljubljana (SI)
‘Moment’, Tongeren (B)
‘Labo#4’, Leuven (B)
‘Artecture’, Cwart, Knokke (B)
2018 MORBEE Gallery, Knokke (B)
2017 ‘INPUT-OUTPUT’ , De Bond, Brugge (B), curator Roxane Baeyens
‘Ongezien2’, Museumnacht, Antwerpen (B)
‘TIG#5’, De Koer, TUMULT fm, Gent (B)
‘Arttructroc’, BOZAR, Brussel (B)
PRIX MEDIATINE, la médiatine, Brussel (B)
2016 ‘Interrupting the city’, Stadsfeestzaal, Antwerpen (B), curatoren Bert Danckaert, Sarah Van Binsbergen, Pascal Gielen
2015 ‘Buiten de grenzen’, Beaufort 2015, Sint Rochuskerk Blankenberge (B), organisatoren Caroline Voet, Leen De Brabandere
‘Les bruit des choses’, Braem paviljoen, Middelheimmuseum, Antwerpen (B)
2014 ‘Kunstsalon Sant’, Brugge (B), curator Marianne Van Boxelaere,
2013 Muhkademie, Muhka, Antwerpen (B), curatoren Johan Pas, Nico Dockx
NVT Galerie, Gent (B), curatoren Tom Maeseele, Elske Jansen,
2011 ‘Blind date’, Extra City, Antwerpen, curatoren Nico Dockx, Dirk Vander Eecken,
2010 ‘CLUB MORAL rvstd’, Antwerpen (B), curator Danny Devos, (performance)
2010 ‘L’Abondance’, Hofstraat, Antwerpen (B), gecureerd door Koen Theys,
INTEGRATED ART WORKS
2024 'Handen vertellen lijnen van het leven, Vilvoorde (B)
2023 ‘Looking back, looking forward’, Hemiksem (B)
2020 ‘Doef’, Ons Zonneke, Landen (B)
2017 ‘Sniffer’, Kipvis, Vlissingen, schetsontwerp (NL)
2013 ‘Bidibu’, Kinderdag verblijf Bambi, Beringen (B)
‘RE3’, Campus Vesta, Ranst (B)
‘Methuna, DVC 7bergen, Ranst (B)
‘Deux bancs square’, Brussel, schetsontwerp (B)
2011 ‘2-Pillio’, Ocmw Hoogstraten (B)
PRICES
2024 Trophy Deurne, Antwerp (B) Laureaat
2022 Cultureel Ambassadeur, Roeselare (B), laureaat
2013 Prijs Godecharle, Brussel (B), Laureaat
RESIDENCIES
2021 Saeftinghe, in samenwerking met CBK Zeeland (NL)
2019 There is A storm copy that, Ant werp ART, in samenwerking met Frans Masereel Centrum (B)
2019 Werkbezoek, in samenwerking met het Jan Van Rijswijckcentrum en WARP, Ljubljana (SI)
2018 Artist Village, in samenwerking met WARP en Beeldenstorm/Daglicht, Eindhoven (NL)
2018 Back to Basic, Artelis residentie, Haukijärvi (F)
2017 Summerschool #2, making public domain, Middelheimmuseum, Antwerpen (B)
2010 Verbeke Foundation, Stekene (B), ‘Master maquette’, curator Nadia Naveau
PUBLICATIONS
2024 Stek magazine, Memorabilia' nr 5, Carlen Claeys, p6 -8
Antwerp Art Guide, Pieter de Groot, p 92 – 93
2021 Nomade in Kunstenland, OKV nr.4, Daan Rau, 2021, p 2 - p 6
'A playground for species', hardcover boek, 2021
2020 '4321 vragen aan 123 kunstenaars', Hilde Van Canneyt, december, 2020, p. 591 - p. 596
Artikel in de Art Couch, ‘Kunstenaars gaan in dialoog met Jan Van Eyck, door Benedict Vandaele
Tekst naar aanleiding van de solo tentoonstelling ‘PLAYGROUND’, Els Wuyts, februari, 2020
2019 Over het streven naar volmaaktheid, een ontmoeting met Nel Bonte, Hans Theys, januari, 2019
Gesprekken met hedendaagse kunstenaars, Hilde Van Canneyt, oktober, 2019
Labo#4, April, 2019, p.14-15
Cwartaal nr.4, maart, 2019
2018 Kunstenplatform Warp, Laureline Soubrey, oktober, 2018
H Art nr. 182, Juni, 2018
2017 Input - Output, De Bond, oktober, 2017
Prix Médiatine, Wolubilis, februari, 2017, p.29
2016 Stimulans 16, Ann - Sophie Marien en Catherine Baelde, mei, 2016, p. 10 - p.11
2014 'One armed man', Jens Dawn, DOP platform vzw, 2014, p. 60
Pro-positions, Art and/as education, Nico Dockx, Els De Bruyn en Johan Pas, p. 304
2013 Mukhazine, Muhkademy, 2013
2012 De Hoogstraatse maand, maart, 2012, p. 14 - p. 15
2011 Blind date, Nico Dockx, maart, 2011, p. 10
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