Lost Space 1991

Here is a piece by Guy Mees in which he used simple materials to explore the complexities of space and form. The playful arrangement of these orange strips against a stark white background might appear deceptively simple. But consider the context in which Mees was working. As an artist based in Belgium, he was part of a generation grappling with the legacy of postwar Europe. In an era of reconstruction and renewal, many artists were experimenting with new materials and methods, pushing against traditional notions of art. These delicate paper cutouts reflect the socio-economic conditions of postwar Europe, where resources were scarce and innovation was driven by necessity. Mees also seems to be speaking to the history of artistic institutions, such as the academy and the museum, which had historically promoted painting and sculpture. By looking at the artist’s biography and by examining the cultural and economic conditions of the time, we can begin to understand the deeper meaning embedded in Mees’ work.