Mechelen – The 9th edition of Het Kunstuur opened in Mechelen on September 22, 2025, showcasing Belgian paintings from 1850 to 1950, featuring works by Ensor, Delvaux, and Wouters, running until June 14, 2026, reports 24brussels.
Visitors to the exhibition not only experience the artworks but also engage with personal narratives connected to them. Both prominent and lesser-known Flemish figures share insights on the significance of the paintings and their details.
“In a painting by James Ensor, there’s a mackerel with such sad and dull eyes; you can clearly see that the fish wasn’t fresh when it was painted. But it’s a masterful painting nonetheless.”
Luc ‘Vis’ Mariën, a fishmonger and market trader in Mechelen, expressed his reflections on the artwork.
Presenters of the Belgian Masters at Het Kunstuur
The exhibition features various speakers who will guide visitors through the artworks. Among them are Monk Giel, actor Jo de Meyere, and toxicologist Jan Tytgat. Mariën will also contribute his unique perspective as a market stallholder.
“In a painting by James Ensor, there’s a mackerel with such sad and dull eyes; you can clearly see that the fish wasn’t fresh when it was painted. But it’s a masterful painting,”
said Mariën.
Initiator Joost Bourlon confirmed that this edition highlights major Belgian painters from the specified period, featuring artworks by Paul Delvaux, James Ensor, and Rik Wouters. Bourlon emphasized their importance in this year’s showcase.
“We also always have an exhibition featuring completely forgotten artists. Evert Larock, for example, is a local painter who created some beautiful works. One of those works is now on display at Het Kunstuur,”
Bourlon added.
Founded in 2019 in Mechelen by brothers Hans and Joost Bourlon, Het Kunstuur aims to present Belgian art from 1850 to 1950 in an inviting format that utilizes storytelling, lighting, and music. The first two editions were followed by additional showcases in Hasselt in 2021 and Sint-Niklaas in 2023, both achieving robust visitor attendance. The previous eight editions collectively attracted nearly 300,000 visitors, and the 9th edition will be open from September 22, 2025, to June 14, 2026.
