Fragments of Japan

An exhibition about craftsmanship, people, research and reflections

15.04.24 to 26.04.24

Rue Van Maerlant 1, 1040 Bruxelles

Discover 'Fragments of Japan', the exhibition by our resident Anneleen Bertels, presented by the Japan Information and Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Japan!

We are excited to announce Anneleen Bertels, one of our incubators, will present her latest exhibition: 'Fragments of Japan'. This unique exposition not only highlights Japan's craftsmanship but also the profound influence of Japanese culture on the work of Anneleen Bertels and Waldo De Keersmaecker.

Anneleen Bertels is recognized for her thoughtful approach, courage and artistic exploration of textiles and embroidery. Her work ranges from refining traditional haute couture embroidery techniques to experimenting with innovative production methods, such as creating her own beads from recycled materials. In 2022, she established her own Textile and Embroidery Lab, where she focused on enriching textiles with jewels through embroidery. This initiative was rewarded with a development grant from Flanders State of Art, which she used for her inspiring research trip to Japan.

For three months, Anneleen Bertels (textile designer) and Waldo De Keersmaecker (architect) immersed themselves in the rich traditions of Japanese textile crafts, natural fibers, and traditional trimming work. They closely collaborated with local artisans and conducted in-depth research into the fascinating history of Japanese craftsmanship. The results of their journey are now presented in the exhibition 'Fragments of Japan', where visitors can catch a glimpse of the impressive world of Japanese crafts and dream about future collaboration opportunities between Belgium and Japan.

This exhibition also marks the start of a Foundation aimed at developing partnerships between Belgium and Japan in the fields of art and craft. Their goal is to strengthen the bonds between these two countries and bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.