Collection Roger and Hilda Matthys-Colle

From 1 July to 23 September 2007, MDD presents the collection of Roger and Hilda Matthys–Colle.

This prestigious collection spans the entire second half of the twentieth century, featuring top works by artists such as René Magritte, Jean Tinguely, Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselmann, Sol Lewitt, Donald Judd, Gilbert & George, Franz West, and Thomas Schütte. Several Belgian artists are also represented in the collection, including Jan Vercruysse, Marthe Wéry, Michel François, Thierry De Cordier, ...

The Matthys-Colle couple began collecting around 1960, at a time when the Dhondt-Dhaenens collection was mostly formed. In contrast to Mr. and Mrs. Dhondt-Dhaenens, the Matthys-Colle couple focused on international contemporary art movements. They were particularly fascinated by the new movements that redirected art onto different paths: Cobra, Pop Art, Minimal Art, Concept Art, Arte Povera, and the latest trends from the 90s. The experimental nature of art was a significant criterion, and they acquired works at the moment these movements were in full development.

The art collection of Roger and Hilda Matthys-Colle is not only of exceptional material value but Dr. Matthys’s role in advocating for the legitimacy of contemporary art in Belgium is equally important. Dr. Matthys was one of the founding members of the ‘Association for the Museum of Contemporary Art’ (VMHK) in Ghent and was also involved in the management of the 'Palace of Fine Arts' in Brussels.

The exhibition at MDD does not aim to provide a historical overview of the various movements of the second half of the twentieth century but rather to be an idiosyncratic stroll through the collection with around a hundred works. The quality of subjectivity will therefore take precedence in the presentation.

Architect Paul Robbrecht made interventions in the museum’s spaces to offer a different perspective on certain works. In addition to presenting the collection, several in situ projects are realized with artists such as Niele Toroni, Lawrence Weiner, and Elmgreen & Dragset.

A richly illustrated catalogue of the collection will also be published, including a conversation between Chantal Pattyn, Roger Matthys, Anton Herbert, and Joost Declercq.