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James Ensor, born in Ostend in 1860, was an outstanding painter whose works were significantly influenced by the rich cultural and artistic tradition of Flanders. As a pioneer of various art movements, he is a key figure in modern art history. The characteristic elements of his often idiosyncratic paintings include grotesque masks and skeletons in a dark atmosphere, as well as the figure of Death itself. Ensor's contribution renewed the Flemish art scene and consolidated his position as a significant figure in Belgian art history.
Head to Ostend and discover “Rose, Rose, Rose à mes yeux. James Ensor and still lifes in Belgium from 1830 to 1930.” For the first time, Ensor's collection of still life paintings will be on display, alongside a host of other important still life works from Ensor's contemporaries.t everything revolves around James Ensor’s still lifes. Starting on December 16th, 2023 to April 14th, 2024 at Mu.ZEE Oostende.
Ensor's self-portraits are a significant part of the artist's repertoire. “Self-Portrait with a Flower Hat” is one of his most famous works, which sits in a body of work exploring identity and the self. From March 21, 2024 to June 16, 2024 you can see this and other paintings in the James Ensorhaus.
The artist's former home is a fascinating showcase of Ensor's life and work. Explore rooms that still remain how the painter left them, adorned with canvasses and curious. It's a beautiful space to get close and personal to the expressionist artist.
From February 29, 2024 to June 23, 2024, visitors to the exhibition “James Ensor. Maestro” in the BOZAR can unravel an anthology of work by the artist. Explore around 100 works including oil paintings, prints, musical compositions and more!
Brussels also played a crucial role in Ensor's development as an artist. In the exhibition “James Ensor. “Inspired by Brussels”” in the Royal Library of Belgium, discover how the city helped shape his unique and characteristically bizarre visual language.
The largest Ensor collection in the world is located at KMSKA, host to the exhibition “Ensor's Wildest Dreams. Beyond Impressionism”. The artist’s work will be complemented by a choice selection of other international contemporaries and imitators.
From September 28th, 2024 to January 19th, 2025, the Fashion Museum (MoMu) takes a deep dive in the world of make up and masquerades. Inspired by Ensor's fascination with masks, the exhibition explores the function and meaning of makeup, how it is used, and how it represents identity and culture.
“Ensor’s search for the light. Experiments on Paper” at the Plantin-Moretus Museum draws attention to Ensor’s graphic experiments. A wide selection of unique prints, copperplates and drawings show explore the artist played with light in his works.