KORTRIJK.- Abby Kortrijk presents its second exhibition: Faith No More — Rituals for Uncertain Times. The exhibition reflects on apocalyptic thinking, hope, and solace in the Middle Ages and today. It features unique live work by Tino Sehgal in the Chapel, alongside pieces by Marina Abramović, Francis Alÿs, Joseph Beuys, Michaël Borremans, Miriam Cahn, Lucas Cranach I, Thierry De Cordier, Albrecht Dürer, Marlene Dumas, and many others in the galleries.

“Abby has been open for just one year and has already become a fixture in the cultural landscape of our city and far beyond. More than 35,000 visitors have already discovered the power of visual art here. With Faith No More – Rituals for Uncertain Times, Abby once again presents an exhibition of international calibre, with major names and contemporary themes that concern us all.” — Ruth Vandenberghe, Mayor

“After a successful opening and first exhibition, it is time to confirm that success with this second exhibition at Abby. It invites visitors to reflect on apocalyptic thinking, hope and solace, both in the past and today. It promises to be a highlight, with works by Ensor, Luc Tuymans, Thierry De Cordier, Philippe Vandenberg and many others.” — Felix De Clerck, Alderman for Culture

We live in uncertain times. Climate change, wars, geopolitical tensions, rapid technological shifts and social unrest make many feel lost. It can seem as though we are sliding toward an apocalyptic future. This recalls the late Middle Ages, when people viewed their world as chaotic and threatening, and turned to higher powers for meaning.

For centuries, religion offered structure, comfort and guidance, although it also generated dogma and exclusion. Today, religion no longer holds that central role. In a fragmented and secular society, we search for new forms of meaning, connection and hope. Where do we now place our fears and desires?

This exhibition begins with that very search. It shows how artists, past and present, respond to uncertainty and fear, shaping grand narratives and private rituals. It invites us to consider how art might offer new perspectives and a sense of collective grounding. Perhaps the key is not in ready-made answers but in shared exploration and imagination.

Visitors descend into underground galleries to encounter late-medieval and contemporary art about doom and dawn, despair and solace. Above ground, in the Chapel, Tino Sehgal presents a unique live work that acts as a transitional ritual between inside and outside. It is a sensory, intimate and unrepeatable experience that exists only in memory.

Curators

Sarah Keymeulen and Klara Rowaert

In collaboration with co-curator and artist Kendell Geers

Participating Artists

Marina Abramović, Nel Aerts, Jane Alexander, Francis Alÿs, Ghada Amer, Alice Anderson, Marcella Barceló, Joseph Beuys, Bianca Bondi, Michaël Borremans, Ricardo Brey, Apollinaria Broche, Miriam Cahn, Erasmus Causse, Félix Clouet, Lucas Cranach I, Cornelius de Bourgondia, Thierry De Cordier, Paul Delvaux, Otto Dix, Gino de Domenicis, Edith Dekyndt, Bernaerd De Rijckere, Herwig Driesschaert, Marlene Dumas, Victor Ehikhamenor, Myriem El-Kaddouri, James Ensor, Michel François, Maxim Frank, Kendell Geers, John Giorno, Jeppe Hein, Carsten Höller, Kubra Khademi, Joachim Koester, Thomas Lerooy, Man Ray, Antoine Roegiers, Quinten Massijs, Tony Matelli, Hollie Miller, Shirin Neshat, Hermann Nitsch, Marion Oster, Irving Penn, Leonard Pongo, Fabrice Samyn, Tino Sehgal, Marinella Senatore, Studio DRIFT, Mircea Suciu, Luc Tuymans, Philippe Vandenberg, Joris Van de Moortel, Giovani Vanhoenacker, Klaus Verscheure, Mark Wallinger, Cindy Wright, and prints by Pieter Bruegel I, Albrecht Dürer, Theodoor Galle, Rembrandt van Rijn and Hieronymus Wierix.