04.10.2025 - 11.01.2026

The exhibition Donas, Archipenko & La Section d'Or. Enchanting Modernism in Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) presents Antwerp- born artist Marthé Donas (1885-1967) as an emancipated, self-aware artist while highlighting the formative impact of few years she spent during 1920’s with Ukrainian avant-gardist sculptor Alexander Archipenko (1887- 1964). Their overlapping interests and shared network shaped a brief but influential period of artistic exchange, formalised in the avant- garde artist's collective La Section d'Or. The exhibition design draws on this idea of overlap, using it as the basis for all display elements.

A family of freestanding walls, pedestals and display cases features subtly shifted, overlapping surfaces that create dynamic spatial relationships and provide structural stability. Closed pedestals and horizontal cases carry slightly offset tops, extending the visual language of the staggered wall planes. Vertical panels support small sculptures on the museum walls, offering both an elegant backdrop and discreet structural integration for protective glass covers.

Throughout, a fresh colour palette reinforces cohesion. Each display surface is rendered one shade lighter than its base, adding depth and refinement. High-gloss finishes on presentation surfaces introduce an additional layer of visual clarity and sophistication.

Client: KMSKA (Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp)
Location: Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp/ BE
Curators: Peter J.H. Pauwels, Adriaan Gonissen
Project direction: Veerle De Meester, Liesje Vandenbroeck
Execution: Chloroform
Lighting: Chris Pype
Art handling: KMSKA
Graphic design: Sara De Bondt studio
Execution of graphic design: Bulle color sprl
Assistant: Olivia De Bree
Photography: Wouter Bollaerts