How was the Flemish and Belgian avant-garde rediscovered? Who determined which artists and movements were given a place in this story? And is that story itself now due for revision? These questions form the starting point for an episode of the Dynamiek! podcast. Podcast makers Matthijs de Ridder and Dennis Van Mol join Annelien De Troij (curator at KMSKA), Jan De Vree (Head of Museum Operations at Muhka) and Sergio Servellón (director of FeliX Art) for a conversation at Muhka. You can attend the recording free of charge on 6 September at 11:00 on the sixth floor.
Podcast recording
In the mid-1950s, a young generation of artists was knocking at the door. Figurative art seemed to have had its day. The way was clear for experimentation and abstraction. When these young radicals came together as Groep 58, they did not only look ahead. They also turned to the pioneers of the 1910s and 1920s.
They read the writings of Paul van Ostaijen, rekindled the experimental spirit among the older generation and appointed Jozef Peeters and René Guiette as honorary presidents. In this way, the historical avant-garde was rediscovered, remapped and — almost inevitably — rewritten by a new generation.
In the third episode of the podcast ‘Over Dynamiek’, Matthijs de Ridder and Dennis Van Mol of Dynamiek!, a project of the Paul van Ostaijengenootschap, explore this eventful rediscovery of the Flemish and Belgian avant-garde.
How did the story we think we know today actually take shape? Who determined which artists and movements were given a place in it? And is that story itself now due for revision?
On 6 September, they will discuss these questions with, among others, Annelien De Troij (KMSKA), Jan De Vree (Muhka) and Sergio Servellón (FeliX Art).
Practical information
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 11:00
Location: Muhka, sixth floor
Language: Dutch
Admission: Free admission.
Image credits
© Installation view Old Guard? Avant-garde!, Muhka, 2026 – photo: Muhka
