Twelve in a dozen - Arts platform Nein and Marlies De Clerck

The back of a painting has important art-historical value which usually remains hidden from the public. In ‘Twelve in a dozen’, the arts platform Nein and artist Marlies De Clerck research why these backs appeal to the imagination through a contemporary interpretation.

Each painting has an artistic composition on the back that is initiated by the artist and completed by collectors, dealers, museum staff and conservators. Notes, signatures, studies, labels and modifications due to conservation techniques tell us more about the history of the painting and the artist’s way of working. Nein has selected twelve works from the Mu.ZEE collection based on their particular backs. These have then been reinterpreted by the artist Marlies De Clerck in oil on canvas. Her visual language and touch have created a new series of autonomous works.

‘Twelve in a dozen’ offers a look behind the scenes and confronts us with various questions about authorship and authenticity. This project is a collaboration between:

• Marlies De Clerck (artist)
• Barbara de Jong (conservation and collection management at Mu.ZEE)
• Laurens Mariën (host at Nein)
• Ilse Roosens (curator at Mu.ZEE)
• Jens Van Lathem and Tobias Van Royen (legal advice and reflection in the arts at Twee-eiige Drieling)

The arts platform Nein develops experimental production and presentation formats for performance, visual arts and music. Interdisciplinary, inclusive and unconventional, Nein enters into dialogue and provides fertile ground for creators and their audiences.