Léon Spilliaert. Ostend between light and dark

Dream and imagination

The artist Léon Spilliaert and Ostend, you mention them in the same breath. This surprising walk introduces you to the life of the artist and the city that inspired him. Words and color effects give you a glimpse into Spilliaert's life and take you past Het Spilliaertthuis, as well as lesser-known spots in Ostend.

Nothing escapes his penetrating gaze and his capacity for interpretation. There is no fantasy that does not set his imagination running wild. Léon Spilliaert's reality is the world as he approaches it. The balance between dream and reality is the thread that runs throughout his oeuvre.

Literature has been a rich source of inspiration for Spilliaert. In several periods there is a direct influence, in others a latent presence. In his youth, he illustrated two volumes of poetry by Emile Verhaeren and three volumes of "Théâtre" by Maurice Maeterlinck. Classical myths also fascinated Spilliaert.

The walk starts at Kapellestraat 2A. The various locations of the walk are indicated on the map. When you get close to a location, you can press the icon on the map to immerse yourself in Spilliaert's world.



Initial research and composition: Virginie Michils, Ostend Culture Department
Elaboration: Annelies Dierickx-Visschers, Ostend Culture Department
Communication: Gaike Gavart, Ostend Culture Department
Final editing: Virginie Michils, Ostend Culture Department and Martine Meire, Director

Sources:
Anne ADRIAENS-PANNIER and Norbert HOSTYN, Léon Spilliaert, Ostend, Museum of Fine Arts, 1996, 229 p.
Jacqueline AUBENAS, Homage to Henri Storck. Films 1928/1985. Oeuvrecatalogue, Brussels, Henri Storckfonds v.z.w., 1997, 171 p.
Roland DESNERCK, De Oostendse visserij, Bruges, Uitgeverij Jempie Herrebout bvba, 1986, 160 p.
John GHEERAERT, Als d'oude Peperbus vertelt..., Oostende, v.z.w. De Kinkhoorn, 1976, 95 p.
Norbert HOSTYN and Fons WOUTERS, Léon Spilliaert, graphic work, Brussels, KBC Insurance, 2000, s.p.
Andrea HURTON, Eroticism of perfume. Celestial fragrances in the past and present. A cultural history, Antwerp, Standaard Uitgeverij, 1993, 218 p.
Marcel R.H. VANALDERWEIRELDT, Ostend, the memoirs of a city, Bruges, Marc Van de Wiele Publishers, 1992, 159 p.
Henry VAN VYVE, Images d'Ostende dans l'entre-deux-guerres, Ostend, Editions Erel, 1972, s.p.

Photograph: Léon Spilliaert, The gust of wind, 1904 (© Daniël de Kievith, Ostend city collection)

⭐ Easy
📍 Kapelle Street 2A
🏁 Cemetery Stuiver Street