Experience

ENSOR YEAR 2024 IN ANTWERP | ‘Ensor Vitrines’ walking tour

Posted by Timothy on

Twenty-two Antwerp illustrators were inspired by the life and work of James Ensor. From 27 September to 2 November 2024, enjoy their unique window illustrations while strolling through the charming Antwerp streets in an ‘Ensor Vitrines‘ walking tour.

Local illustrators went to work with the legacy of James Ensor. Their quirky creations form the thread of a surprising walking tour along 22 commercial showcases that lead you from one exceptional Ensor exhibition to the next. 

Practical information

The walking route guides you through streets located between Het Steen or Stone Castle and the new Zuidpark or South Park. 

A pdf shows you a map and gives explanations of all twenty-five stops. The pdf in English.

There is a QR code on each showcase for more information. 

If you prefer to follow along on paper? Then get a brochure at participating shops or at the Steen Visitor Centre. You will also find programme brochures at the Antwerp fashion museum or ModeMuseum (MoMu), the Antwerp photography museum (FoMu), the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerp (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, KMSKA) or Museum Plantin-Moretus.

The walk makes a loop of about 4 km. You can pick up at any time.

The 25 stops are:

  1. Het Steen.
  2. Marie Marie.
  3. Museum Plantin-Moretus.
  4. MoMu.
  5. Marlies Dekkers Store Antwerpen.
  6. Kaai bags.
  7. Kaffeenini.
  8. Julija.
  9. Optiek e.Blondé.
  10. Cantine Antwerpen.
  11. De Wieuw.
  12. Steen en been.
  13. KMSKA.
  14. Kaai Design.
  15. FOMU.
  16. Wasbar.
  17. De Mama – local deli.
  18. Oats Day Long.
  19. Cookiele Antwerp.
  20. Non Solo Té.
  21. Q Carpet.
  22. Espoo.
  23. Ophelia Lingerie.
  24. Erik Thoonen Books.
  25. Woontheater Antwerpen.

Who was James Ensor? 

Born in Ostend in Belgium on 13 April 1860, James Ensor is widely considered one of the most influential figures in the development of Expressionism. His work, characterized by its bold colors, grotesque imagery, and satirical commentary on society, challenged traditional artistic conventions and paved the way for future generations of artists.

Ensor’s early years were marked by a deep connection to his hometown of Ostend. Growing up in a family of glassmakers, he was exposed to the vibrant colours and textures of their craft, which would later inform his own artistic style. 

He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, where he was influenced by the teachings of the Belgian Realist painters. However, Ensor’s artistic vision soon diverged from the prevailing academic style, as he began to experiment with more expressive and unconventional approaches.

Ensor’s breakthrough came in the early 1880s with a series of paintings that explored themes of carnival and masquerade. Inspired by the festive atmosphere of the annual Ostend Carnival, Ensor created works that were filled with colourful costumes, masks, and grotesque figures. These paintings often conveyed a sense of underlying anxiety and social critique, as Ensor used the carnival as a metaphor for the hypocrisy and superficiality of human nature.

One of Ensor’s most famous works from this period is ‘The Entry of Christ into Brussels‘ (1888), a large-scale painting that depicts a satirical scene of Jesus Christ entering the city amidst a crowd of grotesque and caricatured figures. The painting’s bold colors and exaggerated forms reflect Ensor’s desire to challenge traditional religious iconography and confront the hypocrisy of contemporary society.

In the 1890s, Ensor’s work became increasingly introspective and symbolic. He began to explore themes of death, decay, and the human condition, often using masks and skeletons as recurring motifs. 

‘The Skeletons Feasting‘ (1897) is a particularly haunting example of this period, depicting a macabre scene of skeletons feasting on a banquet table. The painting’s dark palette and grotesque imagery evoke a sense of existential despair and the inevitability of death.

Ensor’s artistic style continued to evolve throughout his career. In the early 20th century, he began to experiment with new techniques, such as collage and printmaking. He also became increasingly interested in political and social issues, using his art to criticize the injustices of his time. His later works often incorporated elements of Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, reflecting his ongoing exploration of new artistic possibilities.

Ensor’s influence on subsequent generations of artists is undeniable. His bold colors, expressive brushwork, and willingness to confront taboo subjects have inspired countless artists, from Edvard Munch to Willem de Kooning. 

Today, Ensor is recognized as one of the most important figures in the history of modern art. His work continues to captivate and challenge viewers, offering a unique and powerful commentary on the human condition.

Ensor died on 19 November 1949, aged 89. 

Art and museums in Antwerp