Photobook Belge

"A gold mine doesn’t have to be large, providing it’s deep: Photobook Belge unearths the rich history of the Belgian photobook, until now terra incognita for many. These countless special editions deserve a place of honour in the international photobook landscape."

— Frits Gierstberg (Curator at Nederlands Fotomuseum​, Rotterdam)

Since the birth of photography, the photobook has always been an essential medium for photographers wanting to display and distribute their work. But the photobook is more than just a display case: it’s a means of expression, an art object, a historical record, a propaganda tool, a multisensory experience.

Photobook Belge is the first ever overview of photobooks created by Belgian photographers. Covering a period of more than 150 years, from the mid 19th century to the present, it features almost 250 photobooks, all carefully described and illustrated. It’s the first time that research into the production and context of Belgian photobooks has been carried out on this scale. In so doing, it sheds light on a hitherto neglected part of Belgium’s long and fascinating photo history.

Over time, the Belgian photobook has become well established. With Photobook Belge, it finally gets the recognition it deserves.

Featuring works by famous names such as Dirk Braeckman, Marcel Broodthaers, Bieke Depoorter, Gilbert Fastenaekens, Edmond Fierlants, Geert Goiris, Harry Gruyaert, Max Pinckers, Marie-Françoise Plissart, Marc Trivier and Stephan Vanfleteren, as well as many undiscovered gems from Belgium’s rich photography history.

Compiled by Tamara Berghmans (curator FOMU – Fotomuseum Antwerp), with contributions from Pool Andries, Jan Baetens, Sandrine Colard, Emmanuel d’Autreppe, Johan De Vos, Steven F. Joseph, Johan Pas and Stefan Vanthuyne.

The book is published on the occasion of the exhibition Photobook Belge at FOMU – Fotomuseum Antwerp, Belgium, 01.03.2019 – 06.10.2019.