Hommage Patrick Merckaert (1956-2011)

Samengesteld door Willy Dory & Jan De Wachter

Lèvres, sourire, secret, Porte de Trèves, 2000

The spatial integration Lèvres, sourire, secret conceived by Patrick Merckaert in July 2000 at the Porte de Trèves in Bastogne, is the hunting lodge adjacent to the castle of Beerlegem. The Porte de Trèves refers to the gate leading towards Trier, Germany. When one considers a gate, one thinks of an opening, a welcoming, with a positive attitude towards the other. In retrospect it appears that the words used by Patrick Merckaert in Bastogne, apply directly to the artist himself. His own words: ‘Lips’, that speak a language, that allow a dialogue and make the relationship with another possible. ‘Smile’ and ‘Secret’ that show his personality: warm, welcoming, open, but also profound and meditative, finding oneself modest and a humble sower of words (Georges Fontaine).

Just as Patrick himself, the installation exudes all at once friendship, simplicity and discreetness. Patrick, who for 15 years was the coordinator and the initiator of the Biennial Kunst&Zwalm, died in January. In this eighth edition, which he was still able to plot and outline, his work lives on.