Annick Vandecappelle - a former fashion stylist - has devoted herself to ceramic sculptures which have become her new language.

Analyzing the subtle tension between different elements and forms, she cuts and reassembles. The clash of geometrical and biomorphic shapes gives birth to strange compositions, pure and rigid.

ot unlike an architect she creates volumes ‘en suite’. All the while playing with proportion, rhythm and balance, like a jazz musician who follows the creative urge without a clearly defined goal.

The things that inspire her are quite diverse. Abstract art of the twenties and thirties, as well as art deco and contemporary architecture regularly spark the creative process. Thus, producing pieces halfway between sculpture and architecture by reappropriating traditional elements in standalone ceramic forms. The use of clay with a high chamotte percentage gives her work a stone-like appearance.

Each new piece is the result of a meticulous search and the starting point of an ever-continuing attempt to redefine the possibilities. Always looking for the shape of things to come.

Annick Vandecappelle (°1961) works and lives in Antwerp.

She studied decorative arts at St-Lukas in Brussels and ceramics at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

ANNICK VANDECAPPELLE

portrait by Nathalie Samain

Rio Staelens is particularly fascinated by creating images that are not visible to the naked eye. Through the manipulation of photographic elements such as light, reflection, shadow and exposure, she aims to reveal an alternative reality.

In recent years she has focused on analogue experiments, both when capturing images and in the darkroom. She takes up the challenge of evoking depth on the flat surface of a photo.

Het resultaat zijn intrigerende composities, een boeiend spel van onthullen en verbergen, waarbij felle kleuren zich vermengen met warmere tinten, vormen transformeren en het gevoel van dimensie creëren. 

Hoewel overlappende opnamen tot op zekere hoogte worden gecontroleerd, vindt de uiteindelijke vermenging van de beelden plaats tijdens de belichting, en niet achteraf. De foto's, gecreëerd door middel van meerdere belichtingen, produceren onvoorspelbare resultaten. Sommige beelden vervagen als verre herinneringen, terwijl andere samensmelten tot een raadselachtig geheel, dat getuigt van de dynamische wisselwerking tussen controle- en toevalsfactoren.

The works shown are a selection from the Chance Meeting (with Ray) series.

Rio Staelens, geboren in 1970, studeerde fotografie en grafische kunsten aan het KASK in Gent. In 2008 behaalde ze haar masterdiploma fotografie aan de Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten in Antwerpen.

RIO STAELENS