Ooidonk Art Festival 2026

The Ooidonk Art Festival returns for its 5th edition with an expansive exhibition in which art reshapes the landscape. Launched in 2021 by Arnaud Maere as a way of bringing art outdoors and connecting with the community, the festival has continued to grow and develop through new commissions and site-specific works. The Festival is an initiative of Francis Maere Fine Arts with the support of several local galleries.

The location is part of the experience, set on a 17th century farmstead ‘Goed Te Réables’ on the grounds of the Ooidonk Castle. It’s a lush and picturesque landscape that was once the inspiration for traditional Flemish landscape and plein-air painters from the 17th and 18th century. For the Ooidonk Art Festival, the artists are once again inspired by the landscape but rather than paint its likeness, the 21st century sculptural work is more in dialogue with the landscape, a conversation to be experienced as you wander through the fields. The exhibition, which features more than 150 works by 34 artists, encourages visitors to slow down, look and immerse themselves in this landscape.

Highlights include Le Jardin des Simples, a series of sculptures by Johan Creten that evoke archaic masks or ritual objects. Kasper de Vos’s Peace Nuts, an acorn that strikingly resembles a bomb, as well as a series of monumental sculptures that are carved from massive tree trunks. Nicolas Alquin, the son of Pierre Alechinsky, presents several bronze sculptures that seem to emerge from a forgotten mythology. Koen Vanmechelen presents a monumental egg-shaped sculpture carved from 11 tonnes of white marble. It’s his largest piece in his ongoing series of egg forms that refer to origin and evolution. There is a special presentation dedicated to Eugene Dodeigne featuring monumental sculptures that have rarely been seen together. Nearby, works by Peter Rogiers creates a dialogue between the two generations of artists. A small chapel by Johan De Wit blends seamlessly into the Flemish landscape. What appears to be a familiar architectural element reveals itself as a silent sculpture in which memory and emptiness take centre stage. There is also a presentation of work by Herman de Vries, a key pioneer of European conceptual and land art.

The pop up summer bar and restaurant, Hay, run by Garçon Catering, is back and expanded. The larger space is set in the heart of the landscape, creating a meeting point for visitors to enjoy a plein-air meal. Lunch and dinner are being served.

The Ooidonk Art Festival runs every Thursday to Sunday, from 18 June to 30 August 2026, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information:

Ooidonk Art Festival

@ Ooidonkartfestival

Francis Maere Gallery

@francismaeregallery