Exhibition: Kubin meets Ensor

At first glance, Alfred Kubin (1877-1959) and James Ensor (1860-1949), as well as their work, seem very different from each other. Both artists are from a different generation, but they also differ in origin and nationality. However, on closer inspection we can discover common features. 

What characterises both of them is the sense of the grotesque and of satire. Both artists have a sense of sarcasm as well as gallows humour. 

Several prints, both by Ensor and Kubin, refer to street graffiti, to children's drawings or to drawings by so-called mentally retarded people.

What also fascinates both Kubin and Ensor is the world of theatre. In numerous prints and drawings, Ensor and Kubin, each in their idiosyncratic way, depict the grotesque world of disguise and distortion. In numerous caricatures, both denounce social abuses and the skewed balance of power in society.

This exhibition with a selection of works aims to highlight the parallels between the two artists. It is the first time in Belgium that works by both artists are confronted in an intimate way and enter into dialogue with each other. This is only possible thanks to the generous loans from the Oberösterreichischen Landesmuseum, Linz.