CONTEXT
ABOUT - ABOUT CONTOUR 2003 I 2005 I 2007 - CONTOUR MECHELEN
ABOUT
Contour takes place every two years, and runs for two months, from August to October. From its inception in 2003, the Biennial has presented itself as ‘the first comprehensive exhibition in Flanders entirely dedicated to art made in moving image.
The key artistic objectives of the first Biennial still apply today: a) the connection between past and present, b) the focus on the moving image as an important, cutting-edge visual art form, c) the importance of excellent standards of presentation and installation, and d) the focus on recent works and new productions, commissioned by Contour. Finally, the presentation of a well-balanced programme of both Belgian and international prominent artists as well as upcoming, emerging talent.
The formula of the walking-tour through the inner city with film, video, and installations in different locations was an immediate success. Through the past three editions, Contour has built up a reputation for high artistic content, demonstrated its pioneering spirit, commitment to supporting artists and capacity for top-rate installations, and pointed to its future significance and continuing importance. The moving image is a potent, dynamic art form and Mechelen is a historical city rich in culture, with an abundance of exceptional locations.
Nevertheless, the artistic content of every single edition remains of primary importance. For this reason, a different curator is invited each time to develop a vision on the biennial. An architect or architectural office and a graphic designer are brought in to assist with the elaboration of the installation and visual presentation of the exhibition.
Contour is part of a European network of organisations and festivals that focus on artists working with the moving image. Today it has partners in Milan, Osnabrück, Linz, Clermont-Ferrand, Wroclaw, and Vilnius, thus widening its range of activities and allowing for artists’ works to be presented in different cities throughout Europe.
ABOUT CONTOUR 2003 l 2005 l 2007
2007 I curator: Nav Haq (GBR)
FOCUS KNACK I 2007 l ELS FIERS
… not a mishmash of installations, but films set within a feasible route … a successful mix of fresh and already somewhat faded videos, all of excellent quality… Contour 2007 doesn’t suffer from high exhibition thresholds… you can wander in without even realising it…
TRENDS l 2007 l PIET GOETHALS
… No doubt, the route itself is a point of attraction: the locations are sometimes hidden or forgotten spaces in the city … for video art is not just seeing, but also experiencing…
KNACK l 2007 l LUK LAMBRECHT
… a fresh vision with works by artists who do not belong to the list of usuals of this kind of major exhibitions …
DE STANDAARD l 2007 l LARS KWAKKENBOS
… the way in which Contour has made several artworks possible, is an example for other art organisations…
2005 I curator: Cis Bierinckx (BEL)
DE STANDAARD l 2005 l JAN VAN HOVE
… the integration of the work by Deprez in the St. John’s church illustrates that today’s art and yesterday’s beauty can reinforce each other in a unique way…
2003 I curator: Etienne Van den Bergh (BEL)
DE MORGEN l 2003 l LUK LAMBRECHT
… it all seems strange, intriguing, beautiful, and even poetic, even though as a spectator you don’t understand everything…
CONTOUR MECHELEN vzw
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