INTRODUCTION

The universe of Nick Ervinck is delightfully alien. And I mean that in the most positive way possible. With his unique language of forms, he stands out from the crowd. His creations transport you to an otherworldly realm—a place where curiosity triumphs over misunderstanding or avoidance.

For the fourth time, he takes over K.E.R.K., and we are more than happy to grant him that opportunity. He transforms the unique space into a special place for wonder, reflection, and pure artistic brilliance.

It is typical of Nick to open the doors wide for fellow artists and like-minded colleagues. Sculpture, for me, is the ultimate art form. From a solid volume, an irregular shape, or a digitally generated figment of imagination, one can create another tangible and real image.

This exhibition beautifully complements our other art offerings. The 13 Flemish sculptors create a new artistic pulse in a place that has long stood at the heart of the village. This is not only a delightful dynamic but also an attraction for curious visitors.

In this exhibition, I sense a wonderful tribute to the noble craft and art of sculpture. It plants new ideas in a timeless format. Thanks to Nick and his artistic guests, I see a refreshing horizon for a rich discipline.

Feel the renewal within tradition. And be amazed.

Jean-Marie Dedecker, mayor of Middelkerke

FOREWORD BY THE CURATOR

Welcome to Sculptural, a special exhibition that I have curated with great passion to highlight the intriguing world of contemporary sculpture in Flanders. Located in the historic K.E.R.K. in Sint-Pieters-Kapelle (Middelkerke), this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the work of thirteen Flemish sculptors, ranging from emerging talent to established names.

Sculpture has always held a special place in my heart. It is a medium that occupies space, pushes boundaries, and invites us to view the world from different perspectives. In an era where contemporary sculpture is often overshadowed by digital and multimedia art forms, with Sculptural I want to emphasize the enduring relevance and power of the three-dimensional medium. This exhibition highlights the profound dialogue between observation and representation, in which we, as artists, translate reality into tangible, spatial forms. This process forms a bridge between the physical and the conceptual, offering a unique insight into complex ideas, emotions, and experiences.

The participating artists share a common passion for traditional craftsmanship, integrating ancient techniques. Some even combine these with modern techniques. They explore themes such as identity, community, environment, and sustainability, paying tribute to the rich artistic heritage of Flanders. Each piece in this exhibition testifies to a deep respect for the sculptural tradition while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

With Sculptural, I aim to emphasize the qualities of sculpture and enhance the dialogue between the works of the artists. The works of Leyla Aydoslu, Sven Boel, Caroline Coolen, Anton Cotteleer, Elleke Frijters, Nadia Naveau, Warre Mulder, Katleen Vinck, Ludwig Vandevelde, Robin Vermeersch, Alice Vanderschoot, Octave Vandeweghe, and my own work have been carefully selected to provide a rich and diverse experience.

Through this exhibition, we not only spotlight contemporary sculpture but also reinforce the identity of K.E.R.K. as a leading platform for this discipline. The exhibition serves as an important part of our mission to give contemporary sculpture visibility and impact, forming a crucial building block in the further development of this platform.

I invite you to enter this exhibition with an open mind and curious eyes. Be inspired by their work and the stories they tell, and enjoy the beauty and depth of contemporary sculpture.

Best regards,

Nick Ervinck
Artist/Curator