From May 17th - 25th, 2008, Habotai, the leading Belgian society for silk painters held its annual exhibition in the Cultural Center Den Blank of Overijse (small city south of Brussels). 20 members gave their very personal interpretation of the theme "Zij-de-Spoor" (to be translated as e.g. spur, spade, spor, footmark, slot, track, trace on or with silk). More than 100 of their paintings were sometimes close to the theme, sometimes very surprising, but always of outstanding quality.
Paula Semer opens the exhibition
Habotai was very proud that Mrs. Paula Semer, (former) leading lady of National Belgian (Flemish spoken) Television, had accepted to pronounce the opening speech. In this, she drew the attention to the -sometimes very difficult- position of women in the artist's world: centuries ago they were hidden in the Masters' ateliers, nowadays -after a long struggle- some of them seem to get accepted, even appreciated, but there is still a long way to go. On the other hand, where painting on silk mainly has been classified as a skill that only interests women, we now are happy to see that more and more men have discovered the possibilities that this huge material offers.
'Spiegel' by Mrs. Rika van der Hark
And the work of the Habotai's members in Overijse has been appreciated by the public indeed. Visitors were invited to indicate their favorite work in an exit poll. They elected Mrs. Rika van der Hark to be the best of all, with her various works. She therefore received the Golden Award. Silver was for Mrs. Marie-Jeanne Weerts for her stunning kimono and wax-and-Chinese-ink painted banners. Bronze went to Mrs. Christine Brughmans, Marleen Wauters and Kris Ilegems, who in a joint effort made three remarkable objects in various techniques (the picture shows one of these compositions).
'Cocooning' by Christine Brughmans, Marleen Wauters & Kris Ilegems
Habotai now already can announce its next public event: exhibition of painted silks in Kaleidoscoop, Mortsel (near Antwerpen) from February 12th until March 10th, 2009, along with a special program in the weekend of February 14-15th (demonstrations of special techniques, fashion show, etc.).
Direct flights from London City to Antwerpen daily!
Ann Taeymans-Boel
More information on our website www.habotai.be or email info@habotai.be