Witty and Macabre - by Robert Zeller (Hardcover)

About the Book

Reveals the ongoing influence and relevance of Belgian Symbolism, Flemish Expressionism, and Surrealism in the work of 25 contemporary artists.

Book Synopsis

Witty and Macabre explores the ongoing influence of Symbolism, Flemish Expressionism, and Surrealism on contemporary art. Robert Zeller, author of New Surrealism, begins by providing a brief historical overview of the Symbolists, the Flemish Expressionists, and the Belgian variant of Surrealism, featuring work by James Ensor, René Magritte, Paul Delvaux, and many others.

Then the book offers an international array of 25 artists currently working in Belgium, including Luc Tuymans, Sanam Khatibi, Michaël Borremans, Aline Bouvy, Thomas Lerooy, and others.

• Gathers 195 works of art to demonstrate the influence and impact of Belgian Symbolism, Flemish Expressionism, and Surrealism on contemporary art.

• Features 25 contemporary artists spanning an intriguing range, from those starting their careers to those of international standing.

• Covers often-overlooked historical figures of Belgian art, such as Jane Graverol, a groundbreaking Belgian Surrealist; Gustave de Smet, one of the original Flemish Expressionists; and Paul Nougé, an important Surrealist theorist and, in a sense, the Belgian equivalent to André Breton, the leader of the Parisian Surrealist movement.​​

Review Quotes

"In Witty and Macabre, Robert Zeller does a beautiful job connecting Belgian Symbolism and Expressionism of the early 20th century to the Surrealist boom that birthed the contemporary art movement, but the book is more than just a retrospective. Zeller devotes much of his work here to current artists in Belgium and the creative and practical reasons why the European capital still draws and nurtures some of the world's most prolific and exciting painters."--Anna Weyant

"While it's tempting to think of Surrealism as a monolithic entity, there have been, and are, many Surrealisms. Robert Zeller's book sheds light on the movement's sometimes overlooked Belgian branch, situating it within a tradition of European visionary art, and illuminating not only its centrality but also its offshoots and legacy. Along the way, he introduces us to some captivating figures. Frequently witty, occasionally macabre, it is an engrossing read and a valuable resource."--Mark Polizzotti, author of "Why Surrealism Matters"

"The contemporary art scene in Belgium is incredibly rich and diverse, and the region has a long and influential history in Western art. In Witty and Macabre, Robert Zeller makes the connection between past and present. The book shows why Belgium remains highly relevant in the contemporary art world. What a fantastic book!"--Rodolphe Janssen, founder and owner of rodolphe janssen gallery, Brussels

"A journey through three centuries of art in Belgium, spanning Belgium's figurative imagination and her constant reinvention."--Xavier Canonne, Director, Musée de la Photographie de Charleroi; author, "Surrealism in Belgium 1924-2000"