KNOKKE-HEIST.- The Ghent art gallery Barbé Urbain and the Ghent design gallery Atelier Ecru Gallery are joining forces to set up MAGELLAN: a joint initiative that organises art and design exhibitions outside the permanent gallery spaces in Ghent.

This summer, they are moving into the iconic modernist corner building by architect Huib Hoste in Knokke - also known as the Dr De Beir residence. From 2 July to 28 August, they will be presenting exhibitions with various artists and designers whom they represent or with whom they collaborate under the umbrella term MAGELLAN.

During the summer months, works are presented by artists such as Adelheid De Witte, Charlie De Voet, Flexboj & LA, Joost Pauwaert, Stijn Ank and Middernacht & Alexander, and by designers such as Linde Freya Tangelder, Katrien Doms, Pierre De Valck, Maria Scarpulla, BRUT Collective, Nathalie Van der Massen and Laurids Gallée.

Named after Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who led the first voyage around the world, the new joint project aims to offer a voyage of discovery through the worlds of contemporary art and design. This results in various curated presentations offering a separate total experience in each room of the iconic house.

Barbé Urbain and Atelier Ecru Gallery were established simultaneously some 4.5 years ago. From the start, they have both strived to build exhibitions as total experiences. There is also a similarity in the way the galleries work with their artists and designers. This should not come as a surprise, since Christophe Urbain founded the Barbé Urbain art gallery with Oliver Barbé on the one hand, and also started up Atelier Ecru Gallery with Stéphanie Frederickx on the other.

Both galleries focus on guiding, supporting, promoting and framing creators - designers or artists. They present a diverse programme in which young, emerging talents are placed in dialogue with more experienced and established names.

"We see that more and more collectible design is offered at international art fairs, and works of art at design fairs. With MAGELLAN, we want to offer the enthusiast and collector of both disciplines a total package, and take them into the world of both Atelier Ecru Gallery and Barbé Urbain."
​— Oliver Barbé, Stéphanie Frederickx and Christophe Urbain