Research project and publication in the 'Rear View Review' series

'StudentenLeuven & Antwerpen' (part two)

In September 2026, it will be 10 years since Jef Lambrecht passed away – time for the second part of the research project. In this case, we examine the student years in Leuven and the first years in Antwerp. Here, too, much documentation is lacking, so it is primarily a snapshot of the atmosphere that is presented – specific research on specific themes still needs to take place, but we hope to offer a small indication of the possibilities here. In particular, his research into the 'Provo' movement in Amsterdam will be further developed, as this is essential in exploring Jef's later artistic methods. The presentation of the second workbook – “StudentenLeuven & Antwerpen” – outlines his student days and move to Antwerp up to the eve of the creation of the BIWA... this will become a particularly fascinating next publication in the future...

 

Research project 'Young Years 1948 -1967' (first part)

In September 2021 it was5 years since Jef Lambrecht left us, and 'Samarkand vzw' thought it a fitting moment to revisit his life & work by presenting some archival material in his home town Avelgem, with specific attention to his 'early years'. Sadly there is very little material left from the early years, but by reconstruction and (local) memories quite a few references can be made to important elements in his later artistic oeuvre... Together with family-archive and friends, and some later works an attempt to sketch an impression of the backdrop of those early years and the lasting influence on his variant artistic career, as well as his extensive travels and journalism. His love for history and cultural diversity stems from an early wish to surpass the boundaries of the local landscape, but is also deeply rooted in it.

Aside from the presentation of a workbook, various small exhibitions in three locations – the former cinema 'Rubens' now 'Interiors Tanghe' across from the old school, and the cultural community center 'Spikkerelle' in Avelgem are the mainstay for a ambulatory investigation around the town... Collected material is to be added to the general archives for future reference.

This is to be a first edition of a series of investigations into the backgrounds of the artist – in more or less chronological sections to provide a base for a more general 'catalogue raisonnee' in future. The next section being considered is 'student years, marriage & young family' from 1968 to 1978.