Opening AQUA VII: Metamorphoses

‘Omnia mutantur,’ wrote the Roman poet Ovid in his Metamorphoses. Everything changes; the world is in constant motion. But, he adds: ‘nihil interit’ – nothing perishes. What exists does not disappear, but continually takes on new forms in an endless chain of transformations.

Metamorphosis also plays a central role in Christian doctrine. Think of the story of Jesus turning water into wine. Or of Moses, who, in the middle of the desert, strikes a rock and brings forth water. More profoundly, the climax of the Eucharistic celebration is what is called transubstantiation—the transformation of the very essence of things. ‘This is the cup of the new and eternal covenant,’ the priest says, after which the wine becomes the blood of Christ and the host becomes the body of Christ.

The works in this exhibition depict the continuous transformations within and around us. They show how matter, forms, and meanings constantly reorganize themselves. The selection offers a mix of established names and newcomers, of classical and conceptual artists. Together, they form an image opera—a rich composition of visual and meaningful associations that interact with and reinforce one another.

During Kortrijk Art Weekend, from May 8 to 10, 2026, DA Collection will open its doors to the general public (www.kortrijkart.be – www.dacollection.be).

With works by: Silvana Pestana - Gançalo Sena - Sophie Ko - Walter Swennen - Paul Bourgeois - Simon Verheylesonne Tim Volckaert - Arthur Eranosian - Jan Vercruysse - Jean Godescharle - Johan Creten - Willy De Sauter Tomás Saraceno - Joseph Beuys & bewerkte ARENA door Simon Verheylesonne