As 2024 draws to a close, Galerie Jos Depypere reflects on a year brimming with captivating exhibitions, poignant moments, and an unwavering commitment to supporting art and culture. From the innovative glass-blown sculptures of Giampaolo Amoruso to the bold, surreal humor of Kamagurka, our gallery has continued to be a vibrant hub for artistic expression and exploration.
Here’s a look back at some of the year’s standout events and exhibitions
Annual Winter Exhibition at Galerie Jos Depypere
December, 2024
In December 2024, Galerie Jos Depypere curated its annual Winter Exhibition, showcasing a captivating array of artworks from a distinguished lineup of artists. The exhibition featured new and compelling pieces by artists such as Bart Ramakers, Philippe Bouttens, C. Leg other talents and a selection of ancient art.
Schenk een Toekomst: Art with Purpose
November, 2024
In line with our commitment to social responsibility, Galerie Jos Depypere once again contributed to the Schenk een Toekomst art auction, raising a remarkable €35,000 to support children in Nicaragua. This charity initiative, organized by VZW Autentico, aims to improve education and living conditions for children in Tamarindo, Nicaragua.
This year, the auction featured a stunning new work by photographer Bart Ramakers, created in collaboration with some well-known Flemish personalities. The auction not only raised vital funds but also brought together artists, collectors, and art lovers for a heartwarming evening dedicated to making a tangible difference. We are grateful for the generous contributions of all involved and look forward to continuing our support for such meaningful causes in the future.
KAMA in the HOUSE: Art that puts a smile on your face
October - November 2024
During the month of October 2024 we welcomed the renowned Belgian artist Kamagurka for his exhibition “KAMA in the HOUSE.” Known for his absurd humor and surreal worldview, Kamagurka’s latest collection showcased his boundless creativity in a series of surreal paintings and thought-provoking drawings.
The exhibition featured around forty works that reflected Kamagurka’s signature absurdity and sharp critique of contemporary life. Visitors experienced an exciting mix of paintings and drawings all imbued with Kamagurka’s playful yet poignant sense of humor. His influence on both Belgian art and pop culture continues to grow, with his works being celebrated worldwide.
A Tribute to Octave Landuyt
August 2024
This year, the art world lost one of its greats—Octave Landuyt, who passed away at the age of 101. A founding member of “The Group of Five” at Galerie Depypere, Landuyt’s work in painting, sculpture, and applied arts remains a cornerstone of Flemish modern art. His exploration of human consciousness through distorted figures and dreamlike scenes continues to inspire new generations of artists and art lovers alike.
Koen Scherpereel: Art with fire and passion
June - July 2024
From June 15 to July 14, Galerie Jos Depypere hosted a solo exhibition of the late Koen Scherpereel, whose tragically short life and prolific output have cemented him as a key figure of his generation. Scherpereel, who died at the age of 36, left behind a legacy of two thousand works spanning paintings, prints, and drawings. His art shared the exuberance of James Ensor and the tragic lyricism of Edvard Munch, embodying both the joy and sorrow of the human experience.
This exhibition allowed visitors to rediscover Scherpereel’s diverse oeuvre and reflect on the powerful emotional range of his work. The documentary narrated by Jos and Chloé Depypere gave visitors further insight into his artistic journey and enduring influence.
A Journey through the History of Art
April - May 2024
At Galerie Jos Depypere, we had the privilege of hosting “A Journey through the History of Art”, an exhibition that invited visitors to rediscover iconic moments in art history through the eyes of modern artists.
Through the incredible reinterpretations of Bernard Pras, Bart Ramakers, Pjeroo Roobjee, Herr Seele, Julie De Bleeckere, and Giampaolo Amoruso, the exhibition breathed new life into timeless masterpieces. The audio-guided tour took guests on a rich and reflective journey, blending the past’s brilliance with today’s innovative vision.
2024 also honored two pivotal anniversaries: 150 years of Impressionism and the enduring legacy of James Ensor, reminding us of art’s power to challenge norms and inspire generations.
Giampaolo Amoruso: a master of glass and identity
March - April 2024
For our first exhibition of the year 2024 we had the honor of hosting a solo exhibition of Giampaolo Amoruso’s glass-blown sculptures. Amoruso, born in 1961 in Boussu, Belgium, has spent decades exploring the profound potential of glass as a medium for his philosophical and emotional explorations.
His journey from the industrial grind to the creative freedom of glassblowing began in the late 1970s and fully took form in the 1990s.
Amoruso’s works delve deeply into themes of identity, impermanence, and the human quest for meaning, blending both Belgian and Italian traditions to create pieces that resonate on a deeply human level.
His exhibition at the gallery allowed visitors to immerse themselves in his evolving creativity, seeing first-hand how his work continuously pushes the boundaries of the medium.
Amoruso’s sculptures are now part of prestigious collections worldwide, including the Racine Art Museum, MusVerre, and the European Museum for Modern Glass in Coburg, Germany.
Looking Ahead
2025
Looking ahead, we continue to strive for excellence in curating exhibitions that inspire, challenge, and captivate. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our artists, collectors, and visitors, and we look forward to welcoming you to the gallery in 2025 for even more extraordinary artistic experiences.
In March, we will present a retrospective exhibition dedicated to the acclaimed artist Pjeroo Roobjee. This exhibition will delve into the rich and multifaceted world of Roobjee’s work, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the evolution of his artistry and his enduring impact on the art world.
In the summer, we are excited to introduce a brand-new pop-up location, an initiative designed to expand our reach and bring art to a fresh and dynamic setting.
Another highlight of the year will be an exhibition dedicated to introducing young and emerging artists to the gallery’s roster. Supporting new talent is a cornerstone of our mission, and this exhibition will offer a platform for fresh voices to engage with our audience, enriching the gallery’s dialogue with innovative and bold perspectives.
75 Years of Galerie Jos Depypere
The year also marks an incredible milestone for us – 75 years since the founding of Galerie Jos Depypere.
To honor this remarkable achievement, we are planning a retrospective exhibition that will explore the gallery’s rich history in ways we have never done before. The gallery’s first years of selling antiques and ancient art , the first exhibitions of José Vermeersch, the Group of Five and many others artists.
This celebration will reflect on the defining moments of the past seven and a half decades, showcasing iconic works, archival material, and the stories that have shaped the gallery’s legacy.
As always, we will conclude the year with our much-anticipated annual winter exhibition, a cherished tradition that brings together a carefully curated selection of works to close the year on a celebratory note. And perhaps there will be more surprises as the year unfolds—at Galerie Jos Depypere, the spirit of discovery is always alive.
We look forward to welcoming you in 2025, a year that will celebrate both our storied past and the exciting possibilities of the future.
