Tim Walker-Wonderful things exhibition takes over C-mine Genk
Tim Walker is a globally renowned photographer that does not seem to belong to the world of you or me. Tim Walker: Wonderful Things exhibition invites visitors into the fantastical imagination of one of the world’s most inventive photographers, characterised by his unmistakeable style. This exhibition explored the creative process of Tim Walker through his pictures, films, photographic sets and special installations.
A daydreamer. A fantasist. His photographs are mirages, telling stories stolen directly from an imagination that most of us left behind in childhood. Tim Walker’s glossy, dreamily surreal work has dominated fashion photography for two decades, and his pieces of art have entranced the readers of Vogue, month by month. In presenting his imagination, his photographs remind us of our own capacity to dream. And even though his images are pure whimsy, they feel true because they have been meticulously executed. The magic in Walker’s pictures takes place in front of the camera and without the use of digital manipulation.
Why the C-mine?
The C-mine is a creative hotspot for artistic talent, clustered on a site with a unique heritage in industrial mining. Gaining visibility as a significant player in the realms of art and design, it is the exhibit’s only European location (after London), being followed by South Korea.
In 1900, Genk’s fame rested on its natural beauty. This attracted numerous artists and painters, who came to Genk to be inspired for their art. In 1901, André Dumont discovered coal near Genk; soon after, three coal mines spring up: Zwartberg, Waterschei and Winterslag. Following the mine closure, the city of Genk was on the lookout for a new role for the immense mining complex at this location. In the year 2000, the idea was born to locate a hub for the creative industries at the site of the former Winterslag coal mine.
Background information
The exhibition is a production of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which includes Walker’s photographs in their permanent collections. When talking about the feeling Walker has when he enters the V&A Museum, he describes it as being exactly the quote stated by the archaeologist Howard Carter. Upon entering Tutankhamun’s tomb, he was asked if he could see anything. He responded immediately “Yes, wonderful things.”
The exhibition
Collecting ideas and images from a variety of sources and works, building a narrative mood, the exhibition consists of 150 new works, split into different fantasy worlds. Each picture is the accumulation of endless hours of preparation, layered like a puzzle. The first room of the exhibition displays inventive fashion editorials alongside portraits. A whole wall is devoted to Walker’s muses too, from Tilda Swinton to Kate Moss. Another room is inspired by the work of the V&As textile conservators, who look after and preserve the museum’s world-leading fashion and textiles collection. A dress from Alexander McQueen’s 2009 collection is displayed, which Walker came across at the V&A Clothworkers’ centre wrapped up, describing it as a “beautiful ghost.”
Walker discovered a photo of the Bayeux Tapestry in the V&A that measured 65 metres long — the biggest photograph he had ever seen. This piece tells the story of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and when creating his own photographs, Walker wanted to recreate not just the violence, but the fine detail, texture and colour of the old tapestry. The images depict its chaos and beauty using recycled materials.
After concentrating on extravagant staging and romantic motifs, Walker is now also making films. You are able to see the ‘The Steadfast Tin Soldier” ballet, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen. He has adapted the romance, as a gay love story about a tin soldier and a knight.
This is why you want a ticket to Walker Wonderland. Not just for the wonderful pastel photographs, but for the immersive journey into the fantastical worlds created by photographer Tim Walker.
Practical information:
· The exhibition will be extended until 21 February 2021.
· In the second part of the exhibition, you can see the work of the LUCA’s students
· Take your time! In order to have a better idea of the exhibition, I recommend planning a 1h30m visit.
