The Shout show features graphic art and colourful social critique from Anthony Burrill, Eike König and more

From July through September, C-Mine art center in Genk, Belgium is playing host to a new exhibition titled Shout, which brings together the work of five renowned contemporary graphic designers and artists. In the former coal-mining complex, and as part of the ongoing multidisciplinary festival Zomerslag, Eike König, Marco Oggian, James Joyce, Morag Myerscough, and Anthony Burrill, will be displaying various bodies of work under a theme of social critique. With “plenty of swagger, humour and sarcasm,” they have each played a part in creating an exhibition that is both “a bit of a shock and a lot of fun.”

Within the walls of C-mine, much of the colourful collection of work sits in stark contrast to its industrial surroundings, juxtaposed with bare-brick walls, concrete and tiled floors, and original factory windows. Set against the harsh yet beautiful architecture of the coal mine, the vivid designs do indeed feel as though they are shouting. Marco Oggian’s series of bold posters, displaying powerful messaging such as “If Nobody Pays, Everybody Does” and “If You’re Not A Doctor Please Shut The F**k Up”, demands attention in an otherwise minimal room. Meanwhile James Joyce’s series of eye-catching flags, which speak to a range of different social issues using familiar symbolism, adds a contemporary touch to a vast hall filled with antiquated machinery.

The exhibition continues outside of the main space, with a work by British graphic artist Anthony Burrill that occupies a green just off of the C-mine square, as well as a basketball court in the nearby Winterslag garden district that has been reimagined by Marco Oggian in his signature vivid style. These works were curated by Daan Linsen and Debora Lauwers of Alley Design Studio, who have become known in Belgium for bringing together both emerging and established graphic designers and artists, working with Soda Studio on the exhibition design. Speaking on the C-mine exhibition, Daan says: “Shout is C-mine’s graphic-arts playground this summer, allowing five internationally acclaimed artists to do their thing with typography and colour. The result is in-your-face: confrontational, but also a lot of fun. It’s a party, and everyone’s invited.”

Shout is on display at C-mine and the surrounding spaces from 3 July – 26 September 2021.