As a patron of the fine arts, I firmly believe in evidence-based and rational altruism. A sobering conversation with an artist on an evening in Spain opened my eyes to the grim reality of the art world: in a consumerist society where mediocrity is the norm, highly talented artists often struggle to reach their potential.
Flanders played a crucial role in the development of the Northern Renaissance, partly due to its flourishing economy and cultural exchange with Italy, which allowed new, modern ideas and ideals to spread throughout Northern Europe. As IBEX aims to bring these lost traditions into the 21st century by nurturing the best artistic talent the world has to offer, we applaud Kortrijk’s initiative to apply for the European Cultural Capital and offer our expertise and support through a unique exhibition featuring exclusive world-class art.
Exposure to different perspectives and experiences through art has the power to enrich the lives of others and promote growth. Art is a window into the values, beliefs, and emotions of a society and a source of endless inspiration and discoveries. Art Church Rochus was chosen as the location because it provides the perfect setting for our immersive experience. As a house of prayer, introspection, and self-discovery, it also aligns with our mission to spread awareness of the tremendous impact that exclusive art can have on our personal lives and society.
“Captivity” metaphorically depicts the relationship between humans and nature. A young woman is lost in thought and a chameleon, seemingly silently shouting, blends into the color of its surroundings. The golden chain around the neck of the chameleon emphasizes the subservience and slavery of this connection.
Oil on canvas, 70 x 80 cm, 2021
“Samsara” portrays the artist’s muse floating in the air. This painting depicts the rapidly changing role of women in Korean society and the realization of the passions and dreams of the younger generation. The water symbolizes the oceans within and outside, the flow of effortless interaction and creation – in one word: life. This work pays tribute to women worldwide and the veil is lifted as she finds her way on her terms.
Oil on canvas, 181 x 227 cm, 2020
Martin’s “Crossroads” is a painting that provides a critical look at the current healthcare system. It shows a woman dressed in surgical gauze, with devastated hair and a passport-like portrait, a symbol of the harsh reality that we must face and fight together to create a better world. The gauze dress and foam in the painting symbolize the uncertainty of death and life and the fight against infection, while the dark geometry depicts the deconstruction of lung alveoli. Martin’s painting is a warning about a broken system and the need for empathy and awareness.
Oil on canvas, 150 x 150 cm, 2020
Arantzazu Martinez’s painting “Freedom Reborn” explores her connection to the spiritual feminine. After a year of painting only roses to get familiar with their texture, transparency, colors and shades, this brilliant work celebrates beauty beyond and free from the male gaze; it celebrates love and freedom and embraces the beauty of life in all forms. In a world full of complexity about acceptance and gender, ‘Freedom Reborn’ blows a fresh wind through the idea that we are all free to exist and pursue happiness in the way we choose. There is a universal comfort that seems to embody the word “freedom.”
Oil on canvas, 230 x 300 cm, 2018
In “The Portrait of Desire,” completed in 2019, Sergio brings to life a whimsical and mischievous scene where people come together to surrender to their innocent and hedonistic pleasures. A man focuses on the female form by glorifying its perfection with flora. The exquisite representation of physical details, particularly the softness of light, carpet, curtains, and overall atmosphere, delights the viewer. The softness with a strong core is tangibly rooted in confidence, self-acceptance and tolerance. A white cat, also depicted in the painting, adds an extra dimension to the illusion of the scene, causing the viewer to wonder what the cat might think about what’s happening around it.
Oil on canvas, 200 x 350 cm, 2019
“The Nightmare” by artist Gabriel Picart brings an ancient Chinese story to the present day by paralleling it with the current Covid-19 pandemic. He uses the techniques of an old ink master from Wuhan to create an eternal screen, symbolizing the unavoidable nature of the pandemic. He refers to Henry Fuseli’s “The Nightmare” and makes it an allegory of the nightmare that the pandemic has become. This new masterpiece is expected to be available for collectors in the second half of 2022.
Oil on canvas, 180 x 270 cm
“One Side Wing” by Nobuyuki Shimamura is an impressive painting that depicts the uncertainty of life and the vulnerability of our existence. The image of a single wing symbolizes the imperfection and uncertainty of our lives, but the presence of a feather near the model symbolizes hope and the ability to survive in uncertain times. The skulls in the background remind us of the value of life and the need to maintain hope, even in the most hardship-filled circumstances. Shimamura creates an emotionally and visually striking work that invites us to consider our own experiences and uncertainties.
Oil on canvas, 182 x 227 cm, 2020
This masterpiece called “Liber Fulguralis” is a polyptych consisting of 5 pieces in which the thematic content of the painting plays out in time and space. It describes the development of different stories, where the concepts of Hubris and Nemesis embody the cyclical evolution of man. The right side of the altarpiece shows the dizzying scientific developments that currently occupy mankind, while the left side warns of the danger of hubris. The work wants to remind us that only balance can help us understand our evolutionary dimension and avoid emptiness.
Oil on panel, 241 x 247 cm, 2020.
In “Signs of Infinity,” Philipp Weber gives a beautiful representation of the balance between vulnerability and trust in a higher purpose. The two female figures are depicted with cutting tattoos, symbols of different religions and philosophies stand for protection, knowledge and new beginnings. There is an ambiguity between the suffered wound and the positive symbolism created by the scar pattern. In a decor of falling water, the human ability to suffer and at the same time draw strength from that suffering is emphasized.
Oil on canvas, 170 x 280 cm
In “Signs of Infinity” geeft Philipp Weber een prachtige weergave van het evenwicht tussen kwetsbaarheid en vertrouwen in een hoger doel. De twee vrouwenfiguren worden afgebeeld met snijdende tatoeages, symbolen van verschillende religies en filosofieën staan voor bescherming, kennis en nieuwe beginnen. Er is een ambiguïteit tussen de geleden verwonding en het positieve symboliek dat wordt gecreëerd door het littekenpatroon. In een decor van vallend water wordt het menselijke vermogen om te lijden en tegelijkertijd kracht te putten uit dat lijden benadrukt.
Oil on canvas, 140 x 180 cm.
VIP Preview Night
Exclusive for invitees: The event is only accessible to wealthy Belgians and the most valued customers of Art Center Horus.
Vernissage
Invitation and art connoisseurs: This invitation-only event is attended by high-ranking officials from Kortrijk, art lovers, top buyers of Art Center Horus, art critics, cultural media, and museum directors.
Public Exhibition
The exhibition will be available to all art and culture lovers from this day.
21.04.2023, 19-22:00 h, VIP Preview Night (Invitation Only)
22.04.2023, 18-22:00 h, Vernissage (Invitation and Art Lovers)
23.04.2023, 09-18:00 h, Public Exhibition
29.04.2023, 09-18:00 h, Public Exhibition
30.04.2023, 09-18:00 h, Public Exhibition
06.05.2023, 09-18:00 h, Public Exhibition
07.05.2023, 09-18:00 h, Public Exhibition
13.05.2023, 09-18:00 h, Public Exhibition
14.05.2023, 09-18:00 h, Public Exhibition
+32 478 23 78 26
nathalie@simonetto.be
+32 477 48 23 80
nina@artcenterhorus.com
+49 170 56 33 177
avs@ibex-abm.com
As a patron of fine arts, I am a firm believer in effective altruism based on evidence and reason. A sobering conversation with an artist one evening in Spain, opened my eyes to the stark reality of the art world: in a consumer society with mediocrity as the norm, extremely talented artists often struggle to reach their potential.
The von Stetten tradition of art patronage, rooted in the principle of ‘Noblesse Oblige’, dates back to the 16th century, when families like the House of Fugger and Medici supported great masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Sandro Botticelli in a similar way.
IBEX aims to revive this tradition by nurturing the world’s best artistic talent, knowing that they will write tomorrow’s art history today.
With more than 300 paintings, IBEX holds the largest private collection of super-realist, figurative art. The main collection is located at IBEX headquarters near Munich, Germany.
From birth, we can naturally perceive thoughts and emotions of other people by observing subtle expressions in the face, an essential component for building human connections.
The IBEX philosophy states that only creatives with exceptional skills and a deep understanding of human nature can effectively capture and express these subtle emotions.
Creating such artworks also requires a calm environment without deadlines. Therefore, IBEX offers their artists a protective oasis, free from financial obligations and time constraints so that they can concentrate on their brilliant creations, guided by the principle of Noblesse Oblige.