Enfnts Terribles

Ensor’s masquerade

James Ensor (1860-1949), a Belgian painter who is celebrating 75 years after his death, used makeup as an instrument to highlight the artificial facades of human characters. MoMu parallels Ensor’s ideas with the works of modern makeup artists, building a bridge between the past and present. For this exhibition, makeup artist Lucy Bridge and hairstylist Eugene Souleiman translate the concepts of “Seduction,” “Betrayal,” and “Mystery,” prominent in Ensor’s work, into a short film installation.

Introducing the legends 

The exhibition opens with Ensor’s paintings, video installations of Pat McGrath’s work for Maison Margiela’s 2024 couture, a bouquet of BDSM masks by Walter Van Beirendonck, magazine spreads featuring the work of Peter Philips, and wigs by Julien d’Ys.

Inge Grognard, the most influential Belgian makeup artist, is introduced with her early work for Martin Margiela, recreated on printed photographs and accompanied by the exact products Grognard used, attached in transparent plastic pockets. “Makeup and hairstyles always disappear after a fashion show or photoshoot; the only way to archive them is often through photographs or videos,” explains Elisa De Wyngaert, curator at MoMu. “For this exhibition, we experimented with more tactile ways to display and recreate the looks,” she adds.