Hollands College at the University of Leuven has opened an exhibition called by the interdisciplinary scientific word ‘Parallax’. It is a phenomenon in which the position of an object relative to another object changes depending on the point of view. Parallax finds applications in various scientific disciplines: from physics to kinematics, from history to literary studies. The basic principle of parallax is at the heart of this project: the world can look different depending on how you look at it. The exhibition is a unique chance to visit this old, unusually light-coloured Northern Renaissance brick building. In the square of Pater Damian’s.

With the project Parallax: memories shape the future, the curators decided to look into the future of the University without losing sight of its past. Scientists, they are building new knowledge based on paradigms that have been shaped at the University over the centuries. Ideas and discoveries that were revolutionary 300 years ago are no longer revolutionary today, but remain the building blocks of scientific practice.

I will focus on 2 of the 8 projects:

Since I was invited by the Iranian artist Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi and his ‘Parallel Universe’ – a Persian carpet ( 2 metres by 2) is the most impressive installation in the Chapel. It takes the viewer back to Persian nomadic temporary or seasonal gardens built according to clear architectural principles, symbolising Paradise. The carpet is a portable garden that a nomadic family can take with them on long journeys as preserving the spirit of home, family, kin. And at the same time connecting with nature – it depicts a blooming Garden. The Persian carpet was provided by the famous design bureau ‘Ashtari carpets’ from Antwerp.

The panel by Ukrainian artist Denis Shantar ‘The Last Embrace’ shows me Ivan the Terrible looking from afar with his crazy eyes, clutching his blond son, who looks like Ivanushka from a fairy tale, to his aged chest. The textile composition, also visually referring to Rembrandt’s ‘Return of the Prodigal Son’ is on the upside down Last Supper. Denis, as a conservative Christian, discusses the manipulation of religion by modern right-wing parties and politicians. Whereas he sees the image of John clinging to the breast of Jesus Christ as an androgynous queer image, as a love that has no gender roles. For the artist, Christianity is not at odds with modernity and does not ask for protection from right-wing, especially ultra, politicians.

Hollands College in Leuven is a historic building that once served as a dormitory for students from the Netherlands studying at the Catholic University of Leuven. It was founded in 1617 to provide accommodation and support for Dutch students at this prestigious Belgian university. Although by this time Leiden University (1575) had already appeared, still many Dutch (especially Catholics, and there were still some) preferred the more ‘experienced’ Leuven University (1425)

Hollands College in Leuven was once home to the Ursulines, nuns from the Order of St Ursula – their lovely portraits and busts in recognisable bonnets adorn the building.

The exhibition is opened every Wednesday and Friday from 12 noon to 6pm, except school holidays. Highly recommended!