Dear reader,

What's on the horizon for Karin Borghouts?
• Two exhibitions in Leuven
• A photo book for KU Leuven's 600th anniversary
• Tapis-Tableau at De Mijlpaal
• Good company at the James Ensor House
• Van Gogh in Antwerp
• Kalmthout Culture Prize

600 years KU Leuven

Over the past six centuries, the University of Leuven has amassed a rich architectural heritage. To mark its anniversary, it asked art photographer Karin Borghouts to tour its buildings with a camera and tripod. Borghouts photographed lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, refectories, student rooms, and more. 150 of her photos were published in the book KU Leuven. Image of a University.

During her exploration of KU Leuven, Borghouts'eye was particularly caught by corridors, stairs, and doors. In the exhibition Routes to Knowledge you can see a selection of photos of monumental staircases and quiet cloisters, of creaking wooden lecture hall steps, and of a door that reminds one of the work of surrealist painter René Magritte.

You should also visit the exhibition The Pursuit of Knowledge in M Leuven. There you will find more of Borghouts'photos. They show how the university preserves its collections.

View here

Two exhibitions Routes to Knowledge and The Pursuit of Knowledge reflect on 600 years of university history in Leuven. The impressive exhibition by Alicja Kwade, which can also be viewed at M, is not to be missed.

Until February 22 2026
Universitylibrary KU Leuven and M Leuven.
Belgium
Group visits with a guide are possible.
Info double exhibition KU Leuven 600

Discover it for yourself

Take a look at the photo book KU LEUVEN. Images of a University. Available from the University Hall shop, or online at Hannibal Books.

Have you seen this video? It follows Karin Borghouts and author Liesbet Nys working on their photo book.

Tapis-Tableau extended

A special selection of Berber carpets from Morocco enters into dialogue with contemporary art, photography, works from the gallery's own collection, jewellery and ethnic objects.

In loving memory of Lut Maris, the founder of Art Gallery De Mijlpaal, who passed away sadly on 22 September 2025.

With Luc Peire - Octave Landuyt - Berlinde De Bruyckere - Koen Vanmechelen - Renato Nicolodi - Karin Borghouts - Monique Muylaert - Els Vos - Willy Peeters - Peter Vanbekbergen - Dan Van Severen - Jeroen Maes - Koen Vanderstukken - Patrick Ceyssens

Sculptures in the garden:
Jef Wishaupt - Peter Vanbekbergen - Geneviève Vastrade - Hubert Minnebo - Robert Vandereycken - Willy Peeters

Tapis-Tableau
Until February 1, 2026
Art Gallery De Mijlpaal
Brugstraat 45 - 3550 Heusden-Zolder Belgium
Open on Saturday and Sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm and by appointment.
Open every day during the Christmas holidays except on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January 2026.

James Ensor House

At the James Ensor House in Ostend, a photograph of Karin's hand is displayed alongside drawings by Ensor, Spilliaert and Magritte. This exhibition explores how Belgian artists, from James Ensor and Félicien Rops to Paul Delvaux and Wim Delvoye, have interpreted the skeleton motif in diverse and often surprising ways.

The photograph was taken at the Dr. Guislain Museum in Ghent as part of the 'Vincent Was Here' series. Vincent van Gogh painted a skull with a cigarette as a joke, while studying at the academy in Antwerp, January 1886. This painting is exhibited at the Albertina in Vienna now.

The skeleton motif from Ensor tot the present day
Until January 11, 2026
Reservations recommended.
James Ensorhuis Ostend
Belgium

Van Gogh in Antwerp

140 years have passed since Van Gogh spent three months in Antwerp. He lived in Lange Beeldekensstraat and took classes at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. This period is now being commemorated.

On 22 November, an exhibition opened at the Vincent van GoghHuis in Zundert, showcasing the work of Antwerp Academy alumni. Nadia Naveau and Nick Andrews are the curators, and the participating artists have all earned their place in the art world. Conversely, an exhibition featuring work by Dutch artists was also opened at the NQ gallery in Antwerp. It will run until 1 March 2026. From October to December 2025, there will also be an exchange of young artists within the Van Gogh AIR programme.

From 16 February to 1 March 2026, the Antwerp Academy will host an exhibition focusing on Van Gogh in Antwerp, organised by the Vincent van Gogh Huis in Zundert. A photograph by Karin Borghouts will also be on display.

And then there's this...

On 12 December 2025, Karin Borghouts will receive the Culture Prize from the municipality of Kalmthout, where she lives. She is one of 19 laureates, alongside 18 other artists and associations.

Looking for a photo book or special edition for the festive season?
Take a look at her online shop (limited stock).

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

www.karinborghouts.be