MARUANI MERCIER
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Maruani Mercier presents KASPER SONNE - PEOPLE ARE STRANGE
September 10 – October 31, 2026
Public Opening: September 10, 2026 from 5 – 9 pm in the presence of the artist
Avenue Louise 430, Brussels 1050
The paradox of iconic contemporary outfits in natural settings, together with the spectral light and the luminous palette in this new body of work projects a powerful sense of the instability of the human condition and questions the possibility of connection with another. As the artist notes, “For me, it's always this conflict – it's about displacement. I create these characters that have no obvious reason to be in these environments.”
In Purple Rain, the composed stance of the protagonist against electric hues of blue and magenta, with her elegant suit and gloves, conjures the sense of a carefully constructed image – a projection of contemporary identity, rather than a portrayal of a specific person. Working in layers, Sonne carves each character from an array of visual sources, from art historical references to fashion advertisements found on social media. Foregrounding quotations from signature pieces of contemporary fashion, the artist uses clothing as a cultural signifier, binding the figures to questions of status, aspiration and belonging...
Kasper Sonne, Skull Earring, 2026, oil on linen | 200 x 150 cm | 79 x 59 in
Kasper Sonne, Purple Rain, 2026? oil on linen | 195 x 250 cm | 77 x 98 in
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ABOUT
Founded in 1995, MARUANI MERCIER represents 27 contemporary artists alongside museum-quality historical exhibitions and major estates. By pairing established and emerging voices, it fosters intergenerational dialogue. Many represented artists participate in international exhibitions and are included in major museum and private collections worldwide. Initially focused on key American artists of the 1980s, the program has since expanded to include diverse practices addressing history, identity, and society. In 2026, the gallery became the exclusive European representative of the George Rickey Foundation and further strengthened its Brussels presence by opening a second gallery and acquiring a new artwork depot within the city.
Founded : 1995
Specialisations
Modern and contemporary art
Fairs
TEFAF Maastricht, BRAFA - Brussels, Frieze Masters - London, Art Brussels, Frieze Sculpture, Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Basel Miami