02.05.24 – 17.05.24, Femke Gyselinck & Joris Kritis & Robbrecht Desmet, CHARACTER

Character is an artist's book wherein a danced alphabet transforms into a type specimen. The book originated from a collaboration between choreographer and dancer Femke Gyselinck, graphic designer Joris Kritis, and photographer and filmmaker Robbrecht Desmet.

The shapes danced by Gyselinck jump, turn and twist, but her body purposely doesn’t bend to illustrate the letters from A to Z. It is through Kritis’ visual configurations of the photographs that reading with the danced alphabet begins. As you flip through the pages, iconic logos, calligrams, graphic designs, and concrete poetry merge.

For the BOEKS presentation, the collaboration extends to include architect Asli Çiçek for the scenography and researcher Emma Meerschaert for assistance in curating a book display that examines the creation of and reflection on Character across various domains.

Character unfolds within the setting of a cloister walkway and a former cellarium, transformed into a reference library. Additionally, the book brings forth new derivatives in the form of a poster and publication, created by students Quint Cobbaert and Isis Copal subsequent to their participation in the Character project week with Gyselinck and Meerschaert. 

The project week and book presentation originated within the framework of the research project Gymnasticsof the Mind at KASK & Conservatorium in collaboration with the Graphic Design Studio.

The book is available for viewing and purchase at the Kunstenbibliotheek counter or online via Copyright Bookshop.