Michel François who comes from Brussels has received carte blanche from the S.M.A.K. to determine the exhibition programme in two galleries for more than a year. François has chosen two identical exhibition rooms and has named his project Faux Jumeaux (false twins).He will ask 15 people to each select two works of art which, although very similar with regard to form or material, were created independently. Which similarities or differences between the two works will come to light when they are ‘mirrored’ in the two identical galleries? The presentation will change every month: one or more pairs will be added or removed. The people who have selected a Faux Jumeaux will elucidate their choice. All the selections will be compiled and elucidated in a publication later on.

The first choice is that of Michel François himself. He will exhibit a work by Ann Veronica Janssens and one by Michelangelo Pistoletto. This ‘pair’ underlies the whole concept of Faux Jumeaux. François witnessed a heated discussion between two museum directors about the striking similarity between two works, while he knew that Janssen’s’ work had been created quite independently of that of Pistoletto. Now, for the first time since the discussion, he will actually bring these two works together as the first offering within this project. He will elucidate his choice on Sunday 19th October.

He will be followed by Loic Vanderstichelen and Daniel McLean. Each will present their own interpretation of the Faux Jumeaux rooms. They too will elucidate their choices to the public. This will take place on Sunday 14th December.

Faux Jumeaux will precede Michel François’ first important retrospective exhibition and publication which the S.M.A.K. will present in October 2009.

With the support of:
ambassade de France en Belgique, Alliance Française, Ministère de la culture et de la communication (Délégation aux arts plastiques-DAP), Culturesfrance.

Thomas Caron and Pierre Muylle coordinate the project.