AQUALEX encourages visitors of the AQUA V exhibition to view water in a different way. The vibrant, energetic, and vital depiction of nature is replaced by art that highlights the darker, destructive side of the phenomenon. With a focus on preserving our planet, AQUALEX advocates for the use of tap water.
Hilde Deceuninck, Arena 2024
An eye-catching combination of opposites, united in the same goal: irrigation. One object, the Arena, is stately, massive, and imperial. The garden hose, on the other hand, is flexible, mobile, and highly useful. They also contrast aesthetically: the Arena is a refined design object, while the 125-meter-long garden hose is a banal, utilitarian tool available in any hardware store. The shape and designation of the decorative material, the ‘garden hose,’ create ambiguity. What is the purpose of the hose encircling the Arena? To embrace it? Provide an extra protective layer? Or does the hose imagine itself as an anaconda trying to suffocate the Arena?
Nature and Destruction
Artists typically depict nature in all its glory – vibrant and full of energy – like the cave paintings of Lascaux, the floral works of Georgia O’Keeffe, or Monet’s water lilies. However, nature also has a dark, destructive side. Instinctively, we are repelled by the sight of this darker side – decay, mutilation – yet we are also drawn to it. Beyond fascination, we find aesthetic pleasure in it. Artists such as Hilde Deceuninck, Kris Martin, Bram Coppens, and Marco De Sanctis bring this vision to life with their works at AQUA V.
Concept Store
The concept store is a blend of an art gallery, showroom, and thematic space. During the AQUA V experience, you will discover a constantly changing collection of artworks, exclusive design objects, and the latest AQUALEX creations. The ultimate goal of this exhibition? To challenge you to view water differently and to encourage you, through the AQUALEX drinking experience and the artworks, to switch to tap water. This will not only enhance your drinking comfort but also improve the sustainability of our planet.
Aqua V, from September 30 to March 21, 2025, AQUALEX Concept Store, Kunstlaan 249 in Knokke.
More info: www.aqualex.be
