Closing Events: Ine Meganck / The Secret Portal

From the 18th of May 2017 till spring 2018, 019 will be closed. But closing time also means show time. Though closed, 019 is fulfilling its commitment — we are still functioning, and we are showing art. Many would argue that a closed exhibition venue is a waste of space, a waste of time and, for public institutions, a waste of public funds. Yet, what is it that is “closed” actually? The spaces? The infrastructure that encompasses human labour? Ultimately, these are works of art to be seen, experienced. Let us remind ourselves of the necessity of any institution to show the most radical art, even if to show implies to close.

The text above rephrases fragments from A Retrospective of Closed Exhibitions (1964-2016 by Mathieu Copeland). Ine Meganck, also involved in 019, and initiator of the closing events will be the first to close down 019 in the series: 019 Closing Events. For the remaining months, Ine will invite several artists to close 019. All of them will react to the fact that 019 will close its doors at its current location. Come and see what a closed space looks like, and how it can become a space for artistic invention!

Poster by Tjobo Kho, in collaboration with We Became Aware
Many thanks to Isolde Vanhee, Tjobo Kho & Michiel De Cleene