Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Au Borinage

From 22 June to 13 October 2024, a brand new photographic exhibition can be visited in the Borinage’s two Van Gogh houses: La Maison Van Gogh in Petit-Wasmes and La Maison Van Gogh in Cuesmes (pronounced Wam and Kwèm). A contribution is also planned at the Marcasse mine ruins.

The Borinage was one of the most inspiring regions that Karin Borghouts visited as part of her project Vincent Was Here. Last year she decided to devote a whole photo project to it. This was partly due to a request from cc Colfontaine. Vincent van Gogh spent two years in the Borinage. First he worked as a pastor, then he decided to become an artist.
The Borinage, south-west of Mons, is a region with an eventful mining past. The many slagheaps are still visible in the landscape. Karin was attracted by the miners’ houses in the hilly lanes, by the ruins of the mines, by the now green terrils, but also and above all by the people. That is why she decided to photograph ‘borains’ — people from the Borinage — in special places. Since September 2023, Karin has been staying at regular intervals as an artist in residence at the Van Gogh House in Petit-Wasmes.
30 photos will be on display spread over the two Van Gogh houses. In collaboration with Dieter Demey, a video will be produced.

With the support of cc Colfontaine, Ville de Mons, Fondation Mons 2025 and Milo-Profi photo lab.