A lichen is a plant-like organism, living in a symbiotic relationship with rhizomatic plants by adapting to various surfaces. They grow both on natural and industrial debris, without roots. Lichens process sunlight through photosynthesis, therefore always facing the south, becoming recurring signage for travelers. Eight artists, who took part in a residency program called WALDEINSAMKEIT for the last two months in the Castle estate of Wildenburg (Wingene), will arrive in the City of Brussels, to intervene on the symbiosis of their projects. Jonas Dehnen, Stan D’Haene, Günbike Erdemir, Mark Grootes, Eline Harmse, Jules Labath, Hilde Onis, and Martijn Petrus are leaving the solitude of the domain, to commemorate the last days of summer in the concrete forest of Molenbeek. Like lichens, they will cover both the bark of trees and concrete pillars, blossoming and sprouting new narratives.
Lichen is a collaborative exhibition between WESK and Claptrap and is made possible by the generous support of Innocastle, Josephine Desprets, the embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and Curatorial Studies KASK.
Artists: Jonas Dehnen, Stan D’Haene, Günbike Erdemir, Mark Grootes, Eline Harmse, Jules Labath, Hilde Onis, Martijn Petrus