Au Borinage
The Borinage, south-west of Mons in Belgian Hainaut, is a region with a moving mining history. This is clearly visible in the landscape in the form of the many terrils (slagheaps). Karin was attracted by the miners' houses in the hilly streets, the mine ruins and the now overgrown terrils, but she also wanted to get in touch with the inhabitants. So she decided to photograph people in special places. Sons and daughters of miners, artists and writers, café owners, preachers, owners of old mining sites, and a rare self-portrait. The photographs are staged to highlight the Borains.
The exhibition of 30 large photographs is divided between the two Van Gogh houses: la maison Van Gogh in Petit-Wasmes and la maison Van Gogh in Cuesmes where there are large photographs in the garden). There is also a large work of art on display at the ruins of the Marcasse mine, where Van Gogh descended in 1879. Vincent van Gogh stayed in the Belgian Borinage from 1878 to 1880, first as an assistant preacher to the miners. Later he decided to become an artist. He was 27 at the time.
With the support of cc Colfontaine, Fondation Mons 202 and Visit Mons. Prints produced by Milo-Profi photolabo.
