Maskerade, make-up & Ensor

In the autumn exhibition Masquerade, Makeup & Ensor, Ensor’s ideas surrounding masquerade, (false) coquetry, seduction, deception, the artificial, and the ephemeral are extended into today’s context. MoMu celebrates the painters of fashion: the craftsmanship and boundless creativity of makeup and hair artists in a multimedia exhibition where light, color, art, fashion, and makeup intersect.

More Background

Throughout history, makeup has often been viewed with a certain suspicion, likened to wearing a mask—a mask to hide your true face. James Ensor was a critical observer of the world and the people around him. He recognized their insecurities and false coquetry. From 1888 onwards, Ensor often used masks, clothing, and accessories as ambiguous tools for unmasking—a way to reveal the true nature and deep emotions of his masked figures. Ensor’s work raises universal questions: Why do we wear masks? Why is humanity so afraid of visibly aging? How do we deal with ever-changing and impossible beauty ideals? Today, makeup and beauty have grown into a trillion-dollar industry that confronts people with their bodily transience, imagined imperfections, and existential fears. But makeup, like paint, is also a form of personal expression, artistic experimentation, joy, and freedom. Masquerade, Makeup & Ensor explores how deeply makeup is intertwined with many aspects of our humanity.