Ghent is one of the five art cities in Flanders and truly a gem. There are a lot of things to visit, one of the most popular ones being the Museum of Contemporary Art – S.M.A.K. (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst).
The museum is a relatively new addition to what the city has to offer and it is definitely a must-see, not only for (contemporary) art lovers but also for those who want to get a better feel of the soul of this city. As a matter of fact, the museum’s inception and consequent developments revolved around Jan Hoet’s figure, a hero for locals due to the role he played in this institution. His untimely demise in 2014 was followed by an emotional tribute by the city to his work and commitment to art.
So our Photoresk group went to the S.M.A.K. to see a photo exhibition, but we also experienced people’s love for the museum. On a Sunday afternoon, entire families and art lovers flocked to it not only to admire works of art but also to enjoy the social aspect at the museum café. We were no exception.
We first saw “The Photographic I – Other Pictures,” a photo exhibition showcasing an interesting mix of photographic styles and a wide array of portrayed objects and people from the 60’s until today. The underlying theme was the role of photography in our lives, and particularly striking were Malick Sidibé’s pictures celebrating Mali’s independence through body movements.
Last but definitely not least, we enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the museum café and shared our impressions on the photo exhibition and the museum as a whole.
