Witty and Macabre
The Legacy of Belgian Symbolism, Expressionism, and Surrealism in Contemporary Art
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Schiffer Publishing Ltd
Publishing:28th Jan '27
£50.00
This title is due to be published on 28th January, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
Reveals the ongoing influence and relevance of Belgian symbolism, Flemish expressionism, and surrealism in the work of 25 contemporary artists. Visually stunning, Witty and Macabre shows how the unique sense of dark humor and figurative influences that defined the art of the Lowlands for centuries remains influential and relevant in contemporary art. Artist and curator Zeller, author of New Surrealism, first gives us a brief historical overview of the symbolists, the Flemish expressionists, and the Belgian variant of surrealism, featuring work by James Ensor, Rene Magritte, Paul Delvaux, and many others. Then, through insightful profiles and images of their works, the book offers an international array of 25 artists currently working in Belgium, including Luc Tuymans, Sanam Khatibi, Michael Borremans, Aline Bouvy, and others. Through 195 works of art, understand the influence and impact of Belgian symbolism, Flemish expressionism, and surrealism on contemporary art. The 25 artists cover an intriguing range, from those starting their careers to internationally famous, well-established artists. Covers often-overlooked figures in Belgian art, such as Jane Gaverol, a groundbreaking Belgian surrealist, and Paul Nouge, the Belgian equivalent to Andre Breton.
“While it’s tempting to think of Surrealism as a monolithic entity, there have been, and are, many Surrealisms. Robert Zeller’s book sheds light on the movement’s sometimes overlooked Belgian branch, situating it within a tradition of European visionary art, and illuminating not only its centrality but also its offshoots and legacy. Along the way, he introduces us to some captivating figures. Frequently witty, occasionally macabre, it is an engrossing read and a valuable resource.” -- Mark Polizzotti, author of “Why Surrealism Matters”
“In Witty and Macabre, Robert Zeller does a beautiful job connecting Belgian Symbolism and Expressionism of the early 20th century to the Surrealist boom that birthed the contemporary art movement, but the book is more than just a retrospective. Zeller devotes much of his work here to current artists in Belgium and the creative and practical reasons why the European capital still draws and nurtures some of the world’s most prolific and exciting painters.” -- Anna Weyant
“The contemporary art scene in Belgium is incredibly rich and diverse, and the region has a long and influential history in Western art. In Witty and Macabre, Robert Zeller makes the connection between past and present. The book shows why Belgium remains highly relevant in the contemporary art world. What a fantastic book!” -- Rodolphe Janssen, founder and owner of rodolphe janssen gallery, Brussels
“A journey through three centuries of art in Belgium, spanning Belgium’s figurative imagination and her constant reinvention.” -- Xavier Canonne, Director, Musée de la Photographie de Charleroi; author, “Surrealism in Belgium 1924-2000”
ISBN: 9780764372780
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
224 pages