The publication ‘Great Noses Are Blown Alike — Zakdoekenpocket — Les Mouchoirs de Poche’ was conceived to coincide with the exhibition ‘Les Mouchoirs de Poche’, for which Gustave Demoen brought together 33 artists who are all handkerchief devotees.
The participating artists are: Celine Aernoudt, Jonas Apers, Stan Auwers, Leonie Buysse, Stefan Clappaert, Olga D’haene, Lukas De Clerck, Krista De Mulder, Kasper De Vos, Laurence Decraene, Louise Degraeve, Hans Demeulenaere, Gustave Demoen, Nikolaas Demoen, Carina Diepens, Dieter Durinck, Gerard Herman, Judith Herman, Veva Leye, Oona Libens, Amber Meulenijzer, Patrick Meulenijzer, Ruben Pauwels, Dries Peeters, Elisa Raciti, Guy Rombouts, Ad van Campenhout, Jakob Van den Broucke, Pomme Van Laer, Dries Van Laethem, Charlotte Vandenbroucke, Klaas Vanhee and Lisa Vantorre.
There is a multitude of rituals associated with the handkerchief that are in danger of dying out should its use be discontinued. In the book, a text by Herta Müller lists some of these customs. Oriana Lemmens’ text in turn dwells on the history of this cloth artefact. All 33 handkerchief designs will be reproduced in the pocket-sized book. Finally, each artist has provided a short text to accompany their handkerchief.
After its presentation at Convent (1–17 Dec. 2023), the entire exhibition will be moved to the city’s Museum of Industry, where it will be on display from 17 January to 14 February 2024.
The exhibition and publication were made possible with the support of the City of Ghent / Culture Ghent.
