Joris Van de Moortel: ‘Why do you tear me from myself?’ a tête-à-tête with Marsyas

In Greek mythology, Marsyas was a satyr. He was a half-human, half-goat creature known for his skill in playing the aulos (double oboe), a wind instrument invented by Athena. One day, Apollo, celebrated for his unequalled talent for music, challenged Marsyas to a musical duel. The god of light, truth, music and arts was declared the winner by the muses and decided to punish Marsyas by tying him to a tree and flaying him alive. The myth of Marsyas has subsequently inspired numerous artists over the centuries. Fresh interpretations have emerged with each reading, reflecting on the theme of hubris and more broadly that of human existence.

‘Why do you tear me from myself?’ a tête-à-tête with Marsyas follows on in the tradition of exploring the sacrifice of this mythological figure. A series of six recent and hitherto unseen paintings attempts to capture the many facets of the satyr’s character. Joris Van de Moortel’s inspiration is drawn from the works of his predecessors, which he updates by sparingly integrating his own personal iconographic references. The artistic vocabulary of this contemporary artist rubs shoulders with that of painters from the Renaissance, in order to gain a better grasp of the complexities of today’s world. Joris Van de Moortel has often argued that the 16th century was at the root of major social and cultural changes that have gradually led to the alienation of humanity from its very nature. Over the intervening centuries, numerous interpretations of the myth of Marsyas have explored these broken links. This exhibition thus takes us on a journey through space and time, delving into the mysteries of our own existence.