Roomade was a Brussels-based arts organisation founded in 1996 by Barbara Vanderlinden.
Roomade
Roomade, Office Tower Manhattan Center Projects, Manhattan Center, Brussels, 1997
Formation
1996
Founders
Barbara Vanderlinden, Johannes Van Heddegem
Dissolved
2006
Type
Nonprofit Arts organisation
Registrationno.
BE456466855
Location
Brussels, Belgium
Fields
Contemporary art
Artistic Director
Barbara Vanderlinden (1996–2006)
Roomade was a Brussels-based arts organisation founded in 1996 by Barbara Vanderlinden. Under her direction and curation until 2006, Roomade became known for commissioning and producing a series of groundbreaking exhibition projects and publications.[1]
Roomade distinguished itself by fostering collaborations between artists, philosophers, and other intellectuals on projects that defied traditional commercialization or museum exhibition formats.[2]
Filling the Void in Brussels' Art Scene (1995-2006)
Vision
The story of Roomade begins in the mid-1990s Brussels art scene. Founder Barbara Vanderlinden recognized a critical gap: a lack of dedicated spaces and opportunities for contemporary visual art. This "terrain vague," as it was described, became the fertile ground where Roomade's vision would take root.
Roomade: The Name and the Mission
The year was 1995, and the seed of Roomade was sown by Vanderlinden. International artist-curator Fareed Armaly played a pivotal role in its birth, even coining the organization's name. "Roomade," a clever contraction of "room" and "made," perfectly encapsulated the organization's core mission: to create spaces, to "make room" for new encounters and connections. This vision extended beyond just art, aiming to foster a dialogue between art, science, the city itself, and the public.
Beyond the Gallery Walls
Roomade distinguished itself by its unconventional approach. De Witte Raaf described them as existing "outside the traditional exhibition circuit." [3] Their focus was on creating art projects embedded within specific social contexts, reaching new audiences who might not typically engage with the art world.
Shifting Perspectives
Roomade didn't shy away from challenging the status quo. Knack, in 2001, highlighted their tendency to focus on artistic and scientific trajectories that defied easy categorization within the established art world.[2] Their collaborations often featured well-known figures like Matt Mullican, Bruce Mau, Bruno Latour, Chantal Mouffe, but with a twist – Roomade aimed to present these figures in a new light, offering a fresh perspective on their established personas.
In essence, Roomade carved a niche for itself, becoming a vital force in enriching Brussels' art scene and fostering innovative artistic dialogues.
Roomade's Structure and Legacy (1996-2006)
Roomade officially became a non-profit organization in 1996. To solidify its leadership, Vanderlinden assembled a distinguished board of directors. This group included prominent figures like artist Johannes Van Heddegem (who served as the first president), politician Eric Antonis, curator Bart Cassiman, and collector Anton Herbert.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team kept Roomade running smoothly. Project coordinators like Sophie Lauwers, Anne Judong, and Stefan Huber were instrumental in bringing the organization's vision to life.
Roomade's innovative approach attracted support from various government bodies. The Flemish Community, the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), the European Commission's Culture 2000 program, the City of Antwerp, and Antwerpen Open VZW all contributed to Roomade's financial foundation.
The organization initially occupied a modest space within the cloister of the Jesuit fathers in Brussels. Recognizing the need for a more centralized hub, Roomade relocated in 1999 to a unique location – a former banana ripening building from the 1950s. This space, located on Koopliedenstraat, housed offices, a library, an archive, a lecture hall, and a presentation room, offering a vibrant environment for artistic exchange. Notably, the building also served as a shared space for the art newspaper De Witte Raaf and the Argos center for audiovisual arts.
In 2006, Roomade's journey took a remarkable turn. The board of directors made a strategic decision to transition the organization's resources and expertise towards launching the inaugural Brussels Biennial. This marked the end of Roomade as a legal entity, but its legacy lived on through the success of the Biennial and its lasting impact on Brussels' art scene.[4][5]
Notable projects
Roomade's legacy extends beyond its organizational structure. The Brussels-based arts organization commissioned a series of groundbreaking projects that challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of artistic exploration. These projects showcase the diversity and intellectual rigor that Roomade brought to the Brussels art scene. Their commitment to unconventional ideas and fostering dialogue between art, science, and the public continues to inspire. Here are some notable examples:
Matt Mullican Under Hypnosis (1996): Exploring the Subconscious Canvas
Roomade's commitment to unconventional artistic exploration is evident in Matt Mullican Under Hypnosis (1996). This captivating project delved into the intriguing realm of hypnosis and its potential to unlock creative expression.
The project unfolded across fifteen public performances held at various Brussels locations throughout 1996. Each performance, documented on video, featured artist Matt Mullican under hypnosis. Titles like Making a Drawing as a 4-Year-Old and Looking for a Picture and Entering a Picture hint at the introspective and potentially revelatory nature of the experience. These performances weren't simply artistic creations – they were a form of self-exploration, a reconstruction of Mullican's identity built from memories and subconscious imagery.
By suspending critical consciousness through hypnosis, Mullican aimed to access unfiltered artistic expression. Freed from the constraints of self-censorship, the performances offered a glimpse into the artist's subconscious, revealing a wellspring of creativity and raw emotion.
While the majority of performances occurred in private settings, a notable exception took place on May 3, 1997. Mullican's Under Hypnosis performance at the Zuilenzaal of the Arenberg Institute in Leuven marked a public return to this exploration after a hiatus of nearly two decades.[6]
The Office Tower Projects series (1996–1999) addressed themes of urban planning and scale, offering a critical perspective on the dominance of high-rise buildings in cities. This series suggested a juxtaposition between the imposing nature of towering high-rises and the significance of "small events" that enrich urban life.
Manhattan Center Project, Brussels (1996–1998): The project was presented in the Manhattan Center in Brussels, a place symbolizing the hallucinatory and overblown nature of megalomaniac metropolitan high-rises. This project critiqued the overwhelming scale of these structures and the negative impact they have on the urban environment.
Century Center Project, Antwerp (1999): Similarly, the project at the Century Center in Antwerp continued to explore these themes, emphasizing how such large-scale developments can spiral out of control.
Roomade, the curator, encapsulated the essence of the critique with the subtitle for the Office Tower Manhattan Center Project: "On the desperate and long neglected need for small events." This subtitle highlighted the need for a more human-centered approach to urban planning, one that values smaller, community-focused events and interventions within the city fabric. This series thus became a ground for creative thinking, challenging conventional urban planning paradigms and advocating for a more balanced and considerate approach to art in the city.[7]
Office Tower Manhattan Center Projects (1996–1997) at the Brussels' Manhattan Center:
Roomade's innovative spirit extended beyond traditional art spaces. Their Office Tower Manhattan Center Projects (1996-1997) transformed a vacant Brussels landmark – the Manhattan Tower annex Sheraton Hotel. This underutilized complex, with a significant vacancy rate, became a fertile ground for artistic exploration.
The project's title, On the Desperate and long neglected need for small events, serves as a powerful statement. It critiques the dominance of large-scale exhibitions and highlights the value of smaller, more intimate artistic experiences.
A Multi-Floor Spectacle
Roomade's curatorial vision unfolded across several floors of the Manhattan Tower:
Ground Floor:Marie-José Burki'sExposure/Exposure Daylight utilized video projections displayed across four storefronts facing Bolwerklaan, creating a captivating visual experience for passersby.
12th Floor: Here, visitors could revisit Matt Mullican'sUnder Hypnosis performances through a series of ten video projections. This floor offered a chance to delve deeper into the hypnotic exploration of artistic creation.
20th Floor:Regina Möller's Meinen Arbeitsplatz gibt es noch nicht (My Job Hasn't Been Invented Yet) explored the evolving nature of work and the potential for future professions.
26th Floor:Kobe Matthys' Agentschap (Agency) presented a thought-provoking installation featuring plasterboards, a television, sound system, and sofas. It likely functioned as a space for dialogue, interaction, and reflection.
This project exemplifies Roomade's multifaceted approach. It functioned as a critique of the oversaturation of large-scale exhibitions while simultaneously creating a platform for diverse artistic expressions within a unique architectural setting.[7][8]
In 1999, Antwerp Open, the urban culture unit of the City of Antwerp, invited Barbara Vanderlinden from Roomade to curate the contemporary visual arts section as part of the Van Dyck year. Alongside the Laboratorium exhibition and the Ambient City project, Vanderlinden initiated the Century Center Project,[9] a series of exhibitions on the vacant office floors of the Century Center, located at De Keyserlei 58–60 near the Central Station in Antwerp.
The project transformed these empty office spaces into temporary art installations. Visitors could access these floors via an inconspicuous glass front between a burger joint and a newsagent. One notable aspect of the project was the solitary workspace of Korean artist Koo Jeong-a on the fourth floor. For a month, Koo created a poetic installation with countless, sometimes almost imperceptible interventions. Her work included scale models of postal, telecommunications, and station buildings, constructed from everyday materials like plastic packaging boxes, talcum powder, and discarded objects. This installation highlighted the ordinary and neglected details of everyday life, evoking a sense of poetry through its non-artistic nature. Luc Lambrecht, writing in De Morgen, noted, "For the general public, it remains a problematic exhibition: there is little to see, but with a little fingertip a whole world can open up."[10]
Following Koo Jeong-a's presentation, Tomoko Takahashi's Office Project opened on the fourth floor. Takahashi's exhibition featured meticulously assembled piles of discarded office furniture, computer screens, hardware, toys, tools, typewriters, household utensils, and various other junk.[11] These materials were organized into islands of activity and workplaces, each representing different functions like an archive, a process room, and an accounting department. Smaller compositions on the floor depicted specific motifs or functions, such as a coffee corner, a technique section, and a relaxation area. The installation included operational elements like a faintly lit image monitor, a spinning fan, and a turntable playing trivial objects endlessly. Takahashi's arrangement allowed for chaos and accidents, preventing a one-sided interpretation of the work. Visitors could view the installation from the upper floor, looking down into the lower floors, which served as offices.
Overall, the Century Center Project was a thought-provoking exploration of urban spaces, the mundane details of daily life, and the boundary between waste and art. It challenged conventional notions of artistic interventions, emphasizing the beauty and significance of everyday objects and experiences.[12]
Ambient City (1999)
In 1999, Roomade presented Antwerp with a truly unique and captivating experience – Ambient City - Transient RADIO. This project, commissioned by Roomade and conceived by Finnish artists Tommi Grönlund, Pettri Nisunen, Iiro Auterinnen, and Matti Knaapi, blurred the lines between radio, sculpture, and public art.
The centerpiece of Ambient City was a large sculpture atop the roof of Antwerp's KMSK Koninklijke Museum voor Schone Kunsten (Royal Museum of Fine Arts). This sculpture wasn't static – it came alive at night, pulsing and glowing in response to the live broadcasts emanating from a hidden radio program.
This radio program, the heart of Ambient City, was a month-long experiment in sound. A collective of Finnish artists created an "overcrowded program" that ran continuously, day and night. The program's eclectic soundscapes, ever-changing and unpredictable, captured the essence of the city itself.
The magic of Ambient City wasn't limited to those within sight of the illuminated sculpture. Anyone in Antwerp, or anywhere within reach of the radio frequency, could tune in to 93.9 FM and immerse themselves in the ever-evolving soundscape. This accessibility transformed the city into a vast soundstage, inviting residents and visitors alike to participate in this unique artistic experience.[13]
Laboratorium (with Hans-Ulrich Obrist) (1999)
In 1999, Roomade's curatorial vision culminated in Laboratorium, a groundbreaking exhibition conceived for the Van Dyck year and co-curated by Barbara Vanderlinden and Hans-Ulrich Obrist in dialogue with a core group including Bruno Latour, Luc Steels, Carsten Höller, Matt Mullican. This project delved into the fascinating intersection of art and science, fostering a dynamic dialogue between these seemingly disparate disciplines.
Laboratorium challenged the traditional notion of an art exhibition. Gone were the static displays of objects confined within the sterile walls of a museum. Instead, the focus shifted to the very spaces where artistic and scientific creation occurred – laboratories, workshops, and studios. These "production sites," teeming with ongoing processes and experimentation, became the exhibition itself.
The brilliance of Laboratorium lay in its accessibility. By opening these studios, workshops, and laboratories to the public, the project fostered a sense of community and collaboration. Artists and scientists, side-by-side, engaged in their creative processes, inviting the public to witness the birth of new ideas and discoveries.[14][15][16]
Laboratorium wasn't merely about showcasing finished products. It aimed to illuminate the very process of creation, the sparks of inspiration, and the messy realities of experimentation. Through these encounters, a vibrant network emerged, connecting artists, scientists, and the public in a shared exploration of knowledge production.
Roomade's innovative approach extended beyond the initial exhibition. The project's archive, including the Book Machine developed by Bruce Mau, served as a tangible record of this unique artistic experiment. This archive traveled to various locations, including Z33 in Hasselt (2002) and the Reykjavik Art Museum,[17] where the archive of the exhibition Laboratorium was presented on a framework designed by Yona Friedman,[18] ensuring that the spirit of collaboration and exploration fostered by Laboratorium continued to inspire new dialogues.
Laboratorium stands as a testament to Roomade's commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering interdisciplinary exchange. It challenged the traditional boundaries between art and science, offering a glimpse into the dynamic and interconnected nature of human exploration.
Indiscipline (2000)
The very title of Roomade's 2000 project, Indiscipline, hints at its unconventional nature. It defied easy categorization, suggesting a deliberate move away from established norms within the art world.
Indiscipline wasn't confined to the walls of a single gallery. It sprawled across Brussels, taking the form of eight distinct "presentations" at various locations. These presentations unfolded at Center Brussels 2000, a prominent cultural center, and at other venues scattered throughout the city. The project also extended its reach online, finding a home on Roomade's website.
The true brilliance of Indiscipline lay in its collaborative spirit. It brought together a diverse range of thinkers and creators – artists, psychoanalysts, philosophers, theater makers, and more. This interdisciplinary approach challenged these intellectuals to step outside their comfort zones, to participate actively in the exhibition-making process. The project aimed to bridge the gap between intellectual inquiry and public engagement, bringing their findings directly to the public eye.
Indiscipline wasn't a one-way street. Artists, too, were invited to push their boundaries. The project encouraged them to transcend the confines of their usual artistic languages, to explore new modes of expression and engage in a dynamic dialogue with other disciplines.
The multifaceted nature of Indiscipline defied simple definition. It encompassed elements of theater, performance, traditional exhibitions, workshops, and even the burgeoning online world. This deliberate lack of structure aimed to reflect the inherent complexity of culture and the ever-evolving nature of cultural production.
The project thrived under the co-curatorial leadership of Barbara Vanderlinden and Jens Hoffmann. Their vision brought together a remarkable group of participants, including prominent figures like Richard Foreman, Suely Rolnik, Chantal Mouffe, Everlyn Nicodemus, Liam Gillick, Boris Groys, Martha Rosler, Oladélé Ajiboyé Bamgboyé.[19] Through their diverse perspectives and creative endeavors, "Indiscipline" offered a stimulating exploration of the intersections between art, intellectual inquiry, and public engagement.
Indiscipline stands as a testament to Roomade's commitment to innovation and fostering interdisciplinary discourse. The project's bold and unconventional approach challenged the traditional art world, offering a glimpse into the richness and complexity of cultural production.
Boris Groys: The Art of Judgement Show (2000-2002)
The Art Judgement Show was a unique television talk show conceptualized by the Brussels-based visual arts center Roomade, hosted by the German philosopher Boris Groys. Unlike Pierre Bourdieu’s monologue in Sur la télévision, Groys embraced a conversational format, echoing the Socratic tradition that wisdom is derived from dialogue rather than possession.
Set against a deep blue background with a salon-like decor, Groys conducts the show from a setting complete with a table and a flower bouquet. He interacts with six students from the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Karlsruhe and the École Régionale des Beaux-Arts in Nantes, posing the fundamental question: "Why art?" The discussions, along with casting interviews and analytical texts by Barbara Vanderlinden, Zdenka Badovinac, and Groys, were published in book form, featuring stills from the show and photographs of the Archive of Personal Belongings. This archive included images or objects brought by the students, symbolizing their artistic journeys.
The talk show and its associated exhibition, held at Roomade in September and October 2001, delved into the students' perspectives on art. The responses to the question "Why art?" revealed a surprising level of cynicism. Students viewed the label "this is an artwork" as an unfounded value judgment used primarily for commercial purposes. This perspective led Groys to reflect on the lasting influence of sociological theories, like those of Pierre Bourdieu, on the art world.
Throughout the interviews, themes of social networks, institutions, and market forces emerged as common scapegoats. The students identified two main escape routes: the inherent slowness of artistic development, and the potential of the internet to bypass institutional constraints. Kristofer Paetau, one of the students, articulated the first escape route: “Art can never be big business and art can never be on the top level of technology. We’re always running behind and we try to catch up but we can never manage it. Why do we try to run after something? We can slowly walk our own way, which is more interesting.” https://www.dewitteraaf.be/artikel/the-art-judgement-show/
Carsten Höller: The Boudewijn Experiment (2000–2001)
This project, in collaboration with artist Carsten Höller, might have involved some form of experimentation or audience participation.
The chosen venue for this experiment was nothing short of iconic: the Atomium, a symbol of Brussels and a legacy of the 1958 World Fair. This giant structure, resembling an iron atom, played a pivotal role in the project.
The experiment invited 100 participants to embark on a 24-hour journey (from 10.00 AM on 27 September until 10.00 AM on 28 September 2001) within the central sphere of the Atomium. For this period, they were offered a chance to step outside the routines of their everyday lives, leaving behind their usual patterns of productivity. This wasn't about idleness; it was a collective exploration of what happens when societal pressures and obligations are temporarily suspended.
The central sphere, transformed into a temporary living space, provided all the necessary infrastructure – furniture, food, sanitation, and safety measures. However, the beauty of the experiment lay in its open-ended nature. No pre-determined program or entertainment was imposed. Participants were free to bring along personal items and engage in activities that resonated with them, fostering a sense of collective exploration and shared experience.
Intriguingly, the experiment wasn't documented through traditional means like film or video. The only recordings were the memories etched in the minds of the participants. These memories, later shared as stories, became the sole record of this unique event.
The deliberate lack of scientific rigor was a conscious choice. The focus wasn't on achieving objective data, but on providing an opportunity for shared experience. It was a chance to break free from daily routines, participate in a unique social experiment, and witness the unpredictable outcomes of human interaction within a confined space.
The Boudewijn Experiment, inspired by a historical event where a Belgian king temporarily relinquished his duties (on 4 April 1990), served as a metaphor for societal expectations and individual agency. It challenged participants to re-evaluate their daily routines and contemplate the possibilities of collective experience. Roomade's collaboration with Höller left a lasting legacy, prompting reflection on the nature of social structures and the power of human connection.
The Manifesta Decade, 2005
Roomade's impact extended beyond its exhibitions and artistic collaborations. The organization also delved into the intellectual sphere, fostering critical discourse on contemporary art practices.
In 2005, Roomade embarked on a series of critical studies examining the evolving landscape of exhibition practices and their historical context. The first publication in this series, The Manifesta Decade: Debates on Contemporary Art Exhibitions and Biennials in Post-Wall Europe (co-published by MIT Press) stands as a landmark achievement.[20] This book, published in 2005, tackled the burgeoning phenomenon of biennials in post-Cold War Europe, specifically focusing on Manifesta, a European nomadic biennial known for its innovative approach.
Exhibition history (selection)
Solo exhibitions
Gert Verhoeven: Papa m'a + préproduction, Roomade, Brialmontstraat, Brussels, January 31–end date unknown, 1997.[21]
Matt Mullican Under Hypnosis, various location in Brussels and Louvain-Leuven, April 28–May 4, 1996. Including Lunatheater (appartement 604), Brussels, April 28, 1996; Nieuwstraat-Rue Neuve, Brussels, May 1, 1996; Plateau Theater, Brussels, May 2, 1996; Arenberg Institute, Louvain-Leuven, May 3, 1996; Lunatheater (appartement 604), Brussels, May 4, 1996.
Carsten Höller: The Baudouin/Boudewijn Experiment. A Deliberate, Non-Fatalistic, Large-Scale Group Experiment in Deviation, Centrum Brussel 2000 and divers locations in Brussels, October 26–December 3, 2000 (canceled). Restaged at the Atomium, Eeuwfeestlaan, 1020 Brussels, September 27–28, 2001, 24 hours from 10 AM to 10 AM.
Boris Groys: The Art Judgement Show, ZKM | Zentrum für Kunst und Medientechnologie Karlsruhe, January 10, 2001, and Roomade, April–May, 2001. Traveled as Poglej in presodi / The Art Judgement Show to Mala Galerija, April 11–May 27,[22] 2001; The seventh international art fair Art Moscow, May 15–20, 2003.[23]
Group exhibitions
Office Tower Manhattan Center Project I: On the Desperate and long neglected need for small events, Office Tower Manhattan Center, Brussels, February 20–March 30, 1997. Participants: Marie-José Burki: Exposure / Exposure Daylight (ground floor); Matt Mullican Under Hypnosis (12th floor); Regina Möller: Meinen Arbeitsplatz gibt es noch nicht (My Job Hasn't been invented yet) (20th floor); Kobe Matthys: Agentschap (26th floor).
Office Tower Manhattan Center Project II: Inmitten der dingen aber im centrum con nichts, Office Tower Manhattan Center, Brussels, December 12, 1997. Participants: Jan Fabre & Ilya Kabako: Een ontmoeting - Vstrecha; Barbara Vanderlinden and Hans-Ulrich Obrist:Een reflectie over tentoonstellingsplekken (Horizon Club, 30e verdieping); Andreas Slominski: Bird Feed.
Office Tower Manhattan Center Project III, Office Tower Manhattan Center, Brussels, March 3–May 3, 1998. Participants: Anne Daems; Regina Möller: Meinen Arbeitsplatz gibt es noch nicht (My Job Hasn't been invented yet) (20th floor); Tobias Rehberger: Missing Colors II (26th floor).
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↑ Vanderlinden, Barbara & Hans Ulrich Obrist (1999). Laboratorium programme book. Antwerpen Open & Roomade.
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