De Halle, Geel, Belgium
4 April 2025 – 1 June 2025
Group exhibition
Fairy tales have shaped human imagination for centuries. Initially transmitted as oral narratives across generations, these stories were often unfiltered and deeply rooted in the societies from which they emerged. Unlike the sanitized versions familiar today, early fairy tales contained stark depictions of life—narratives filled with violence, moral complexities, death, and loss, each conveying explicit warnings or lessons. Their purpose extended beyond entertainment; they served to educate, caution, and mirror the struggles of existence.
As fairy tales transitioned from oral traditions to written literature, they underwent significant cultural adaptation. Over time, their darker and more unsettling elements were softened or removed, aligning with evolving societal values. Stories once intended for adults were reimagined as whimsical, child-friendly tales designed to captivate and spark imagination. However, traces of their original, unvarnished forms persist, continuing to resonate within our collective consciousness.
From April 4 to June 1, the Halle in Geel will be transformed into an enchanting and thought-provoking space with the exhibition Once Upon a Time…, curated by Tom Liekens and Glenn Geerinck. This multidisciplinary exhibition delves into the enduring influence of fairy tales and their profound impact on visual art. Featuring a diverse selection of artists, the exhibition examines how fairy tales continue to inspire and shape contemporary artistic expression.
By presenting a blend of historical works and modern reinterpretations, the exhibition explores the tension between the moralizing intent of traditional fairy tales and their contemporary adaptations. Visitors will encounter a range of artistic mediums—paintings, sculptures, video works, and installations—that engage with the timeless themes of fairy tales: love and loss, innocence and corruption, fantasy and reality.