Centre Albert Marinus

For Unique(s), the Centre Albert Marinus chose to showcase contemporary creations and furniture whose defining feature was the involvement of traditional craftsmanship and intangible heritage in their making. These functional objects celebrate noble materials—sometimes unusual or recycled—and the enduring excellence of artisan techniques.

The exhibition highlighted how artisans can bring outstanding quality to the creative process and even influence its very nature, thanks to know-how passed down through generations, often orally. It spanned multiple disciplines: cabinetmaking, lighting design, tableware, glasswork, ceramics, silversmithing, tapestry, jewelry, eyewear, and leathercraft. Works by around forty Belgian and international artists of global renown were exhibited throughout the museum spaces.

The adaptability of these masters of fine craftsmanship to contemporary contexts and new generational ideas was striking. Tradition engaged in a dialogue with cutting-edge techniques. In keeping with its desire to build meaningful partnerships with outstanding institutions, the Centre Albert Marinus organized this exhibition in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation and Design at Grand-Hornu and Atelier Jespers (Jean-François Declercq). Their participation and expertise made it possible to reveal to the general public a world of exceptional objects typically reserved for a select few.

The exhibition was accompanied by a special issue of the Centre’s publication, featuring artist biographies and in-depth interviews.