Galerie Fontana is thrilled to participate for the third time as an exhibitor at Art Antwerp, taking place in December 2025.
This year, we proudly present works by three Dutch artists: Ruud van Empel and Inez de Brauw, both of whom explore themes inspired by paintings from the 17th century in a contemporary context. In addition to these artists, Galerie Fontana is pleased to introduce the extraordinary ceramic sculptures of Carolein Smit
Inez de Brauw draws from the tradition of Flemish gallery paintings, reinterpreting them through a modern lens. In her latest work, she addresses themes of female empowerment by subverting traditional power dynamics depicted in these historic scenes. She describes her approach as “erasing history,” deliberately reworking the compositions to shift their narratives. While her earlier work often focused on the mise en abyme effect and architectural interiors, her new pieces have evolved—becoming more vibrant and rich with details that reflect the social life of the 17th century.
Ruud van Empel adds two new works to his ongoing series, Voyage Pittoresque, both rendered in soft pastel tones and brimming with lush, floral imagery reminiscent of the nature morte (still life) paintings that were highly popular during the 17th century. His signature technique—photographic collage—is central to his practice. Drawing from his extensive, self-created image archive, Van Empel meticulously cuts and composes individual photographs into dreamlike scenes, creating a surreal, almost intangible atmosphere that blurs the line between reality and imagination.
In addition to these works, Galerie Fontana is pleased to introduce the extraordinary ceramic sculptures of Carolein Smit. Inspired by myths, monsters, legends, and age-old narratives, Smit has long embraced ceramics as her primary medium. Her meticulously crafted animals and fantastical beings—realized in porcelain or stoneware—invite viewers into a dreamlike world imbued with strangeness, opulence, and a deep sense of wonder. Echoes of the Middle Ages and Baroque sensibilities resonate throughout her practice, as does her fascination with cabinets of curiosities, precious materials, and jewel-like ornamentation.
Together, her wondrous animals and fantastical beings weave unexpected narratives—interlacing elements of European art history, Native American mythologies, fairy-tale sensibilities, and a touch of dark romanticism—offering a captivating complement to the works of Ruud van Empel and Inez de Brauw at this year’s Art Antwerp.