Atelier Jespers / Declercq Design

Belgium

COLLECTIBLE 2024 presents "Dialogue(s)," curated by Jean François Declercq, offering a glimpse into the evolving collectible design movement. This section delves into the influence of the 1980s and 1990s on contemporary design, highlighting the departure from industrialization towards artisanal processes and unique pieces. The dialogue explores how designers draw inspiration from past eras, particularly the freedom of colors, shapes, and aesthetics from the 1980s, challenging traditional design principles. Through material, temporal, and sensitive dialogues, the exhibition bridges historical and contemporary design, reflecting on how past influences shape present-day creations amidst current challenges. It provides a platform for designers to reflect on their creative process and the roots of the collectible design movement.

Art and design enthusiast, curator, Jean-François Declercq founded Atelier Jespers in 2015, a non-profit art space aimed at diversifying and enhancing his activities around Belgian and international creation. In a short span, Atelier Jespers has become a cultural landmark in Brussels, showcasing contemporary design and related forms of expression. Housed in the modernist studio-home designed by Victor Bourgeois for sculptor Oscar Jespers in 1928, it has hosted 19 exhibitions featuring renowned designers like Domeau & Peres and Michael Anastasiades. In 2017, he initiated the #Itinérance project, taking Belgian design beyond borders to international fairs and events across Europe.