I have visited my fair share of exhibitions over the years; some good, some better and some definitely brilliant. But it'ÂÂs a rare occasion when the design Universe catches me completely unaware. Just when I thought I knew it all or at least more than enough Belgium surprised me with a Biennale that was so well curated and so flawlessly organized, that I almost started feeling bad about myself. Why had I missed out on it all these years?
But then again, maybe its newly appointed curator Lowie Vermeersch and his team that have taken the latest Biennale INTERIEUR to new heights. Blaming myself may prove to be a fruitless exercise then. Without further ado, the 23rd Biennale did what every cultural institution dreams of achieving when putting down roots in a specific place: it embraced the city and the city embraced it right back, thus forging an unbreakable bond that will undoubtedly last for decades to come.
Serving an intoxicating cocktail of economy and culture, the 23rd International Biennale INTERIEUR 2012 showcased over 300 corporate exhibitors under a central theme: Biennale in the city, city in the BiennaleÂÂ. The impeccably planned design circuit ran through the entire town of Kortrijk, where satellite events and pop-up bars and restaurants entrenched visitors and locals alike in beauty over the course of nine days (October 20-28, 2012). Yatzer departed Belgium in a state of awe: it was plain to see that Lowie Vermeersch and his team had accomplished what they had sworn to achieve. In ridding the world of anything remotely resembling ugliness, they turned this small Belgian town on its head - the last place on earth you’d expect to find so much accumulated talent has now become a top design destination come 2014. Yatzer will be there, rain or shine!
Check out the pictures that follow and discover 50 reasons why you shouldn't miss it either! The products on show include celebrated design brands that have never been exhibited inside the main Xpo venue before, as well as various other wonders dispersed in locations throughout Kortrijk and the popular Buda district.