This summer, 22MUSE presents the group exhibition ‘Summer with Lagrange’, bringing together new and recent works by artists from our program, including Giacomo Piussi, Jae Ko, Steen Ipsen, Vincent Lagrange, and others. At the heart of the presentation stands a focused homage to Marc Lagrange, who would have celebrated his 67th birthday on June 24, providing an occasion for reflection, appreciation, and renewed discovery.
Ten years after his passing, we revisit the worlds Marc carefully constructed through his photography, worlds defined by intimacy, emotional sincerity, and a meticulous eye for detail. Known for his devotion to analog craftsmanship, Marc approached each image with warmth, patience, and remarkable precision. His Antwerp studio was more than a workspace; it was a sanctuary, where every object, texture, and shadow was purposefully arranged, carefully curated to evoke the atmosphere and emotion he sought to capture.
Marc’s photographic journey extended beyond his studio, guiding him to evocative locations worldwide,each chosen not merely for beauty but for their emotional resonance. He collaborated closely with notable creatives such as Paolo Calia, celebrated set dresser for Federico Fellini, who shared Marc’s appreciation for dreamlike environments and cinematic detail.
Central to Marc’s practice were the enduring relationships he built with his muses, including Inge Van Bruystegem, Dorith Mous, and Carole. His subjects describe him as a quiet observer, someone who inspired trust and offered freedom, enabling them to reveal their authentic selves. The resulting portraits resonate deeply, offering quiet strength and emotional honesty without ever seeking spectacle.
Several previously unseen works by Marc Lagrange will be exhibited for the first time, alongside a carefully curated selection of significant moments from his artistic legacy. These images trace Marc’s evolution from theatrical opulence toward sculptural simplicity, from crafted elegance toward raw vulnerability, revealing the profound sensitivity that defined his oeuvre.
Summer with Lagrange is not a retrospective but an intimate, considered encounter. It emphasizes presence over proclamation, gently celebrating a photographic legacy that quietly captivates and endures. Some visions take time. Some stories require years to unfold fully, achieving the depth they deserve.
Complementing Marc Lagrange’s photography, the exhibition also includes new and recent works by Giacomo Piussi, Jae Ko, Steen Ipsen, Vincent Lagrange, and other contemporary artists whose practices similarly explore the delicate intersection between form, emotion, and materiality. Together, their works create a subtle, meaningful dialogue across generations and mediums, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and connect deeply.
