David Claerbout  

The KMSKA rounds off the year with David Claerbout, a leading contemporary artist whose work lies at the intersection of photography, video and digital technology. This harmonious journey through the museum’s historic galleries brings his contemporary video works into dialogue with the art of the Old Masters. 

Using digital technologies such as CGI and artificial intelligence, Claerbout transforms photographs, existing images and his own video footage into moving images in which time, light and perspective are constantly shifting. His work is seamlessly integrated into the museum’s presentation of its collection. Watercolours and sketches also offer a glimpse into the artist’s creative process and approach to visual composition. 

For centuries, artists have sought to capture light, texture, portraits and vanitas with the greatest possible precision. Claerbout’s work engages with this tradition, not by imitating it, but by asking the same fundamental question: how do we look at an image? As with the Old Masters, his work calls for an active and attentive gaze. Those willing to take their time will discover the richness, subtlety and complexity of his video works. 

At the same time, Claerbout explores time not as something linear and measurable, but as something fluid and subjective. What may seem familiar at first glance reveals itself only gradually, inviting us to look more closely. This exhibition encourages you to slow down, look beyond the obvious and open yourself up to new perspectives.