Nestled in the picturesque Leie Valley, a historic region once home to iconic artists such as Emile Claus and Gustave Van de Woestyne, the Ooidonk Art Festival 2025 returns on May 17, 2025. Hosted on the grounds of the stunning Ooidonk Castle, this year’s edition, titled “Nature in Motion,” explores the ever-evolving dialogue between contemporary art and the natural world.
Since its inception in 2021, Ooidonk Art Festival—curated by Francis Maere Fine Arts—has transformed this heritage-rich site into a vibrant hub for artists, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts. Set around the 17th-century farmstead Goed te Réables, the festival merges historical charm with the rhythm of the seasons in a unique art experience that spans from May to the end of August 2025.
Nature in Motion
At the heart of this year’s edition is the idea of transformation. Just as the river Leie winds and changes with the seasons, so too will the festival shift throughout the summer months. The exhibition will evolve over time—artworks will move, new installations will emerge, and nature itself will subtly alter the experience. Returning visitors will encounter fresh perspectives, highlighting how neither art nor nature ever stands still.
Featuring more than 40 artists, the exhibition includes internationally acclaimed names and rising talents alike. From sculptures and conceptual installations to site-specific works, the festival invites these pieces into direct dialogue with the landscape. The result is a dynamic interplay of harmony and contrast that encourages reflection and wonder. Among the anticipated artists are Pol Bury, Florian Tomballe, Wim Delvoye, Sofie Muller, Jan Fabre, and Koen Vanmechelen.
The selection centers on the themes of change and impermanence. Some works explore decay, renewal, and transformation, while others address the human impact on the environment—whether destructive or restorative. This approach fosters a living exhibition that challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature, time, and artistic expression.
Events and Dual Exhibition
In addition to the curated open-air exhibition, visitors can enjoy a pop-up restaurant and summer bar curated by Garçon Catering, offering refined, seasonal cuisine in an atmospheric setting. The festival also introduces exclusive nocturnes, artist-led tours, and live performances, enriching the immersive experience.
Simultaneously, Francis Maere Fine Arts Gallery in Ghent will host a parallel gallery exhibition showcasing works by the same artists in a traditional indoor setting. This dual format allows audiences to experience the artworks in both natural and curated environments.
