Dear reader

Karin Borghouts' photo exhibition Au Borinage has a story. That is why you will find the short film Au Borinage below. The story of the owner of one of the largest coal mines in the Borinage is now told in a second video. You can visit the exhibition until 13 October in both Van Gogh's houses in the Borinage.

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 photographs is spread over the two Van Gogh houses: La Maison Van Gogh in Petit-Wasmes and La Maison Van Gogh in Cuesmes where large photographs are exhibited in the garden as well. There is also a large photograph on display at the wall of 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.

With the support of cc Colfontaine, Fondation Mons 2025 and Visit Mons. Prints produced by Milo-Profi photolab.

Watch here

Video AU BORINAGE

This short film (10:43) was shot by assistant Dieter Demey using a drone over the old mining sites of the Borinage and edited with photos by Karin Borghouts and archive footage.

Click on this link or on the image below. En français.
For French and Dutch subtitles, click on the CC icon at the bottom right.

Video Domaine du Levant

Next to the Van Gogh house in Cuesmes is a large private site with impressive remains of a coal mine. The owner, Willy Dréau - also briefly introduced in the previous video - tells his story. Camera and editing by assistants Dieter Demey and Wouter Bollaerts.
Watch here or click on the photo below (7:22 French).

AU BORINAGE - Fotografie Karin Borghouts

From 22 June to 13 October 2024

Maison Van Gogh Cuesmes
3, Rue du Pavillon
7033 Cuesmes (Mons) BE
tue > sun : 10 am - 15:45 pm

Maison Van Gogh Petit-Wasmes
221, Rue Wilson
7340 Petit-Wasmes (Colfontaine) BE
Tue > Sun : 10 am - 4 pm only after reservation on 0492 76 03 03

Charbonnage de Marcasse
7, Sentier de Saint-Ghislain
7340 Petit-Wasmes (Colfontaine) BE

Tip: The best way to discover the region is on foot or by bike. Good condition required. There are beautiful views from a slag heap. Van Gogh walks and cycling routes as well as group visits are possible.
Tip: If you want to combine your visit with Mons (near Cuesmes) or visit Mac'sGrand Hornu (near Petit-Wasmes), it is best to visit the Van Gogh houses first, as they close early. Petit-Wasmes is also unstaffed, so make an appointment.

Info Karin Borghouts

Info Visit Mons

Info cc Colfontaine

Meet & greet: You can meet Karin Borghouts Au Borinage on the following dates.
The programme for these two days has not yet been finalised.
Follow us on the website and social media.

Wednesday 29 September

Wednesday 12 October closing time
All this is known:
- Van Gogh walk with Filip Depuydt: 9.30 am. Book in advance
- Paul de Moor presents his new book 'Until the Colours Sing' about Van Gogh (in English, French and Dutch).

Books and prints

Vincent Was Here, Paris Impasse, The House, A Painter's House,...
Signed photography books, special editions and prints: karinborghouts.be/shop

ZICHT is a monthly newsletter of Belgian artist photographer Karin Borghouts. She is working on her own projects and on commissioned assignments by museums, art and heritage institutions, architects, publishers and city councils.

www.karinborghouts.be