Art Pool artists go on display in the North Quarter

Art Pool artists go on display in the North Quarter A good way for art to prostitute itself By Martine Duprez For some time now, passers-by at WTC 1 have been able to observe a strange exhibition. It unfolds over three levels, at the corner of Boulevard du Jardin Botanique and Boulevard Émile Jacqmain. The exhibition - organised on the initiative of Mon De Rijck - presents several sculptures installed in the display windows of this imposing architectural and property complex. Strange, yes, but interesting... A good way, according to the artist, of fighting the apathy surrounding contemporary art in Belgium. And a place, in Mon De Rijck's view, to promote art to an audience that does not always have the opportunity to visit museums. It is an exhibition called "Extension Nord", a cultural venue established in May 1991 in the display windows of WTC 1... "This is where I wanted to launch art into the street," explains Mon De Rijck. He adds: "I thought the North Quarter was a place where art could come into contact with people. And then, it's also a way for art to prostitute itself, so to speak. In short, it's a way of showing that art is not only for the initiated..." "Man is born an artist" Before Art Pool, Mon De Rijck had already organised several exhibitions of this kind. Notably "Art to You" at the Hobby fair, and he was also present on the Waterloosesteenweg. "The starting idea is that art must be accessible to everyone," he continues. "Man is born an artist, and I believe everyone can make art, even if some find it easier than others. Just look at children: they are all artists. And then, as they grow up, they lose that spontaneity... So, in my view, we need to give people back the desire to make art. That's what I'm trying to do with Art Pool." Art Pool brings together some 175 artists of all disciplines and styles. The aim is to give these artists the opportunity to exhibit their works in public places, making them accessible to as many people as possible. And that is how the "Extension Nord" exhibition came to life in the North Quarter. A good opportunity, too, for passers-by to discover the art of the Brussels region. Especially as the exhibition is extended until 31 March 1992. Mon De Rijck's sculpture presides over the building's display window. (Photo: Goyvaerts)