Jef Geys: exhibition at WIELS/ upcoming new book

ef Geys’ work is commonly described as ‘unruly, and impossible to categorize in conventional art-historical categories.’ Despite Geys’ subversive and critical attitude towards the art world, the ambitious survey exhibition at Wiels shows that his work is not only deeply engaged and socially critical, but also funny and sensory.

Jef Geys’ work is commonly described as ‘unruly, and impossible to categorize in conventional art-historical categories.’ Despite Geys’ subversive and critical attitude towards the art world, the ambitious survey exhibition at Wiels shows that his work is not only deeply engaged and socially critical, but also funny and sensory.

List of Works

From the early 1960s, Jef Geys compiled an archive, with the titles of everything he considered part of his artistic practice on his ‘List of Works’ serving as its index. With a total of 844 entries, and spanning six decades of artistic practice, the List of Works contains photographs and drawings from Geys’ school days at the Brothers of Charity, avant-garde drawings and paintings, lacquered puppets, sensual fruit reliefs, performances and actions, conceptual photography, ‘open’ texts, instructional films.

But also, Geys’ observations of a first-time cyclist, his botanical studies for self-medication, his novel methods of teaching his students, as well as the local community meetings for direct democracy he helps organizing. The list clearly demonstrates Geys’ versatility and broader interests as an artist, and as a precursor of interdisciplinary practice. Geys defied tradition, deconstructed language, and championed open cultural exchange, establishing him in many ways as a true pioneer.

Catalogue Raisonnable

The exhibition at WIELS goes hand in hand with the first survey publication of Geys’ work. The monograph, entitled ‘Catalogue Raisonnable’, was edited by Charlotte Friling and assisted by Oriana Lemmens and Kaat Obbels, designed by Joris Kritis, and created in collaboration with MER / Borgerhoff & Lamberigts. The publication and exhibition offer a rare opportunity for understanding and appreciating Jef Geys' multifaceted practice.