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Compassion is a universal language, felt and expressed across all cultures and belief systems, each in its own way. Until 31 August, the MAS in Antwerp presents the multiple facets of this theme, through paintings, ornaments, everyday objects, music, and testimonies from all over the world and across the ages.
© Pexels / Siebe Gios
Curious about some examples of acts of charity across diverse philosophies of life? In our own regions, Flemish master Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c. 1525–1569) captured the seven works of mercy in a 1559 engraving; feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, sheltering the stranger, burying the dead, and freeing the imprisoned. In Tibetan Buddhism, people from all walks of life spin prayer wheels – cylinders rotating around a central axis – to release the blessings of the sacred mantras they contain and to clear away negative karma. Another example is the tradition of Masonic charity, perhaps inspired by Christian values, where donations for the needy are collected in specially crafted charity boxes.
Contemporary artists from Belgium and beyond are engaging with these themes in thought-provoking ways. Syrian artist Khaled Barakeh, Chinese activist Ai Weiwei, and Belgian Berlinde De Bruyckere explore compassion through powerful visual artworks. Stephan Vanfleteren and Lieve Blancquaert offer moving interpretations through photography and deeply personal interviews. Dutch artist Annita Smit brings solidarity to life with intricate paper sculptures.
And there’s lots more to discover!
