From the Collection Gifted

A public collection is created not only thanks to public funds, but also as a result of the major role played by the generosity of third parties. Fortunately, there are plenty of people in our society who find it important to contribute to the growth of a public collection such as that held by S.M.A.K.. Given the limited acquisition budget, these generous contributions are crucial to the museum. This exhibition presents a small selection from a multitude of donations that have been made in recent years.

From the Collection Gifted can be seen as a tribute to ‘the donor’, the individual or institution involved with the museum; to those who want to enhance the importance and the significance of a public collection.

Behind every donation lies a unique and sometimes personal story. The gift of an artwork usually involves a lot more than simply transferring it from place A to B, or from one collection to another. For this reason, we are not just exhibiting the works but also including information about their provenance. The title ‘Gifted’ alludes to the act of donation on the one hand, and to its alternative meaning – being talented – on the other.

In the final room of the exhibition, we find the donation of an entire exhibition: x, curated by Simon Delobel, Director of KIOSK in Ghent. All donated artworks from x are anonymous and are catalogued as such in S.M.A.K.’s collection. x is a critical response to an art world in which the signature often assumes greater importance than the actual work. It is an invitation for us all to look beyond the exhibition label, to be inspired by the artwork itself and nothing else.