Challenging long-held notions of human singularity, excessive progress, and growth Fin et début / Einde en begin redefines the notion of care as an ecological and relational structure; as a polyphonic assemblage of shared existence between human, nature and technology. 

In her poem End and Beginning, the Polish Nobel Laureate Wisława Szymborska, describing a barren landscape in the aftermath of war, weaves a narrative of resilience, reflection, and hope. Reflecting on the struggles for renewal, healing and collective responsibility her words carry a diachronic significance. Although referring to a specific conflict, her verses hold a frightening and unfortunate universal validity making her call for communal action, empathy, and care more relevant than ever. Inspired by Szymborska’s reflection on the collapse of ideologies, the relentless passage of time and history, and the irreversible decay of the past along with everything that comes with it, iMAL wonders: How would a future built on empathy and collective care look like?

Participating artists: Annelie Berner, Johanna Bruckner, Nicolas Gourault, Darsha Hewitt, Dasha Ilina, Rosa Menkman, Vivien Roubaud, Caroline Sinders (in collaboration with Trammell Hudson), Studio Above & Below, Endi Tupja (in collaboration with Klodianna Millona), (T(n)C), Total Refusal, Ava Zevop, Alex Verhaest

Exhibition: Fin et début / Einde en begin
06.11.24 – 16.02.25
iMAL
30 Quai des Charbonnages
Koolmijnenkaai, 1080 Brussels

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This project is co-funded by the Creative Europe Program of the European Union and by the Vlaanderen verbeelding werkt through the Projectsubsidies kunsten and with additional support from the Polish Institute Brussels.

iMAL is a cultural organisation, located in Molenbeek, Brussels, combining the roles of an Art Center and a Lab. The approach of iMAL’s 25th anniversary marks the beginning of a broader reflection on resilience, resistance to the dominant definition of progress, and the responsibility of fostering solidarity.