OP GROOTMOEDERS WIJZE (2021)

The installation "On Grandmother's Way," created by Tom Herck for Catacombs, serves as a poignant and multifaceted tribute to his grandmother and the complex history and societal attitudes surrounding her life as a "madame" or female pimp. The installation is a deeply personal exploration of family, history, and the intertwining of individual lives with broader cultural narratives.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Tom Herck's grandmother, known as 'Josee De Duvel,' and her eventual suicide provide a rich source of inspiration for the artist. The installation captures the essence of her life and experiences, transporting visitors into a world saturated with colors and nostalgia. The frames on the wall creatively and sometimes satirically reference his grandmother's death, while oriental carpets and the design of the brothel space harken back to a bygone era and the establishment that was named after the movie "Casablanca."

The installation's design, complete with a piano, swing, authentic bar, and sitting area, immerses visitors in the atmosphere of a nostalgic brothel. This design choice encourages visitors to engage with the space, linger, and contemplate the deeper themes being explored. The presence of an authentic human skeleton within a specially crafted coffee table adds a layer of symbolism, alluding to both the concept of resting places and relics.

The placement of the installation near the "Chaussée d'Amour" in Brustem, a well-known area for prostitution, adds further layers of complexity to the work. The neons in the installation, with names like "Club Tropical" and "De Cupido," evoke the ambivalent attitude towards prostitution in society. The installation delves into the dichotomy between societal disapproval and changing views on sexuality, while also resurrecting the atmosphere of a rural brothel as a counterpart to urban prostitution.

The industrial and gritty setting of Catacombs further enhances the impact of the installation. The use of iron bars and fences creates a fight-club-like ambiance, evoking themes of contrast, confinement, and societal boundaries.

Overall, "On Grandmother's Way" is a powerful exploration of personal history, societal attitudes, and the interplay between individual lives and broader cultural narratives. Tom Herck's ability to weave together personal experiences, historical context, and societal commentary creates a thought-provoking and immersive installation that engages visitors on multiple levels.