Paul Van Hoeydonck: from Antwerp to the Moon!

Museum EICAS, Deventer, 19 oktober - 15 februari

Photo: Till Breckner

Paul Van Hoeydonck (Belgium, 1925) is a pioneering multidisciplinary artist, internationally known for his sculpture Fallen Astronaut, the only artwork ever placed on the moon. This small aluminum figure, left on the lunar surface during the Apollo 15  mission, symbolizes human ambition and the drive to explore beyond the boundaries of Earth. Van Hoeydonck's artistic practice includes painting, drawing, and sculpture, often focusing on themes such as space, technology, and humanity's boundless aspirations in the universe.
As a visionary within the post-war avant-garde, Van Hoeydonck was a co-founder of the influential artists' collective G58. He played a crucial role in introducing the ZERO movement to Belgium and organized one of the first ZERO exhibitions in Europe, in  Antwerp. His collaborations extended beyond national borders, with close ties to Dutch artist Henk Peeters of the Nul group, French artist Yves Klein, and German artist Günther Uecker of the ZERO group. Together, these artists sought to redefine art through light, movement, and industrial materials, embracing a progressive aesthetic that aligned with the technological optimism of the time.
As Van Hoeydonck celebrates his 100th birthday, his groundbreaking contributions to art are honored with a tribute at the Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, which opens simultaneously with a parallel exhibition at EICAS. The EICAS exhibition will showcase both early and recent works, providing a comprehensive view of his artistic development. One of the absolute highlights remains Fallen Astronaut, a work that continues to intrigue due to its historical and symbolic significance.
EICAS, in collaboration with the Van Hoeydonck Archive and Mattijs Visser, founder of the ZERO Institute, organized this exhibition to demonstrate how Van Hoeydonck's work radiates the same innovative spirit as the Nul and ZERO groups. However, his artistic vision went even further—he transcended both artistic and geographical boundaries with his daring project for and on the moon. This exhibition not only celebrates a century of Van Hoeydonck, but also his lasting impact on the intersection of art, space exploration, and human imagination.

Museum EICAS is the only museum completely dedicated to the international ZERO movement.