Opening 'Alicja Kwade. Dusty Die', 'The Pursuit of Knowledge' and presentation of M-resident Ellen Dhondt
Eline Willaert voor M Leuven
About Alicja Kwade
What if the unknown were not a boundary but a point of departure? In her first solo exhibition in Belgium, Alicja Kwade invites us to reconsider the ways in which we perceive the world and attempt to comprehend it. Drawing on scientific and philosophical models of thought, she translates them into sculptures and installations that question gravity, time, and matter. Through mirroring, repetition, and distortion, Kwade unsettles our perception, reminding us that knowledge is always in flux.
At M, she presents a selection of key works from her recent practice, complemented by new installations conceived specifically for the museum.
‘In Ewig den Zufall betrachtend’, Alicja Kwade, 2014 © Alicja Kwade, Courtesy of the Artist
About 'The Pursuit of Knowledge'
As the oldest university city in the Low Countries, Leuven has a rich history to look back upon. To mark the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven, M is highlighting the educational collections of this centuries-old institution of knowledge. Fossils, dinosaur models, taxidermy specimens, fluorescent minerals, measuring instruments, and many other remarkable objects bear witness to the extraordinary richness and diversity of the university’s collections. Let yourself be amazed by the outcome of a centuries-long pursuit, driven by scientific curiosity.
Running parallel to 'The Pursuit of Knowledge' at M, 'Routes to Knowledge' is on view at the University Library. Together, the exhibitions reflect on six centuries of university history in Leuven.
Curatorial team: Annelies Vogels, Liesbet Nys, Tjamke Snijders, Joris Vandendriessche, Rajesh Heynickx
Shell Collection KU Leuven © Karin Borghouts
About M-resident Ellen Dhondt
Ellen Dhondt’s presentation marks the conclusion of her five-month residency at M. Through distinctly figurative visual language and the character Ellie Dolly, she explores prevailing normative ideas and taboos within society.
Fascinated by 1920s cut-out paper dolls and the design of educational worksheets, Dhondt places Ellie Dolly in a variety of situations and environments. These seemingly light-hearted scenes probe issues of gender stereotypes, dogmatic pedagogy, and the construction of female identity.
Elias Derboven for M Leuven
About Doppelgang
Doppelgang, a DJ duo from Amsterdam, has been a fixture in the electronic music scene since 2012. With their distinctive blend of house, acid, breakbeat, electro and techno, they set international dance floors alight. They have performed at festivals such as Lowlands, in clubs including De School and Sisyphos, and even collaborated with the Rijksmuseum on the audio tour ‘Soundtracks’.
Doppelgang
Doppelgang, photo: Dion Bal
About ROSIN
Raised in Berlin as the daughter of two visual artists, ROSIN grew up surrounded by creativity before moving from Brighton to London to pursue her music career. Her sound blends folk, indie, and experimental pop with electronic nuances, drawing inspiration from artists such as Phoebe Bridgers and James Blake.
Her debut EP Now I’m A Woman (2021) explored themes of personal growth and self-discovery, laying the foundation for her authentic and steadily maturing style. With intimate lyrics and atmospheric arrangements, ROSIN is establishing herself as one of the most exciting new voices on London’s music scene.
© ROSIN
600 years of KU Leuven: M joins the celebrations
Leuven University is celebrating its 600th anniversary with a wealth of projects and activities – and M is part of the picture. We are presenting two special exhibitions: a solo exhibition by Alicja Kwade and ‘The Pursuit of Knowledge’. At the same time, the University Library is hosting the exhibition ‘Routes to Knowledge’. You can also explore the city’s permanent art and science route, which opened in May.
Alicja Kwade, 'Carriers', 2025, Kunst- en wetenschapsroute 'And So, Change Comes in Waves', foto: Marijke 'T Kind
