Xavier Hufkens has the pleasure to announce a second solo exhibition by one of Belgium’s most successful artists, Hans Op de Beeck (° 1969, Turnhout). Op de Beeck has chosen Family. Scenes and Scenery as the title of this show which includes an extensive body of new works that will be installed on the ground- as well as the second floor of the gallery.

Having long plunged himself into the many facets of alienation and absurdity of past rampant postmodern urban existence, the artist now turns his attention to the interior. For the exhibition 'Family (scenes and scenery)', Hans Op de Beeck has created an entire collection of large, medium and smaller works that use the family and domestic surroundings as bearers of meaning.

What does a deserted table say about the gathering that has just taken place? How does a child remind himself of a violent row at a family party? What can be read between the lines of cleanliness and propriety? What does a neat and tidy seating area signify? To what extent are we all attached to domestic objects? When does a banal everyday object become the silent witness to a drama?

The artist considers the living room as the ultimate micro-décor. People project themselves, their identity,their illusions and expectations onto a large collection of arranged objects they call home. The domestic interior is a seemingly innocent cardboard setting in which the small tragedies of everyday life take place.

The work of Hans Op de Beeck has been shown in museums and galleries in Europe and the United States. He is currently participating at the Shanghai Biennale and is working on large scale installations for the cities of Leuven (Belgium), and Towada (Japan.)