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KOEN VANMECHELEN

An internationally renowned artist, working across a multitude of disciplines, Koen Vanmechelen (1965) is one of the most versatile thinkers of these times. He is situated at the confluence of art, science, philosophy and community. >> read more

EXHIBITIONS

LIMINA: COSMOPOLITAN CHICKEN PROJECT 30, CHILLIDA LEKU, Hernani (ES) 17 October - 20 December 2025

This fall Chillida Leku opens its gates to a remarkable exhibition by Koen Vanmechelen: Limina – Cosmopolitan Chicken Project 30 . This thirtieth edition of Vanmechelens crossbreeding project marks a new threshold in an artistic journey that has spanned more than three decades. A Chicken that crossed the world The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project (CCP) is Vanmechelen’s most iconic work. Since 1999, he has been crossbreeding chickens from different countries and cultures as a l

Noah's Ark, Marco Polo Airport, Venice (IT), Feb 2025 - 2026

From this February, Koen Vanmechelen’s participation in last year’s Venice Biennale will have a successful sequel. At the Biennale, the...

Cosmopolitan Renaissance, Capetown (SA), 11 Feb - 31 Dec 2025

In a remarkable convergence of contemporary art and cultural dialogue, artist Koen Vanmechelen will showcase his work at a private...

NEWS

Koen Vanmechelen creates new artwork for Art on the Meuse in Dilsen-Stokkem

Along the Meuse in Rotem (Dilsen-Stokkem), a new artwork will rise in 2026: Future Fossil, by Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen (BE, °1965). The monumental sculpture embodies the ongoing dialogue between humans, river and nature – a tribute to the landscape of the RivierPark Maasvallei. A fossil from the future With a view over the Meuse, between Kempenstraat and the cycle dyke towards Elerweerd, Future Fossil will soon take shape. The work is rooted in old sandbags once piled

Open Studio november

On Sunday, November 2, artist Koen Vanmechelen will once again open his studio to all visitors. A unique opportunity to admire Vanmechelen’s work in progress inside the striking building The Battery – a design by Swiss architect Mario Botta. Take a break at Nomadland, where the awnings of the colorful caravans are open for food & drinks. Practical Information Places for the Open Studio are limited, so be sure to book your ticket in advance via tickets. Residents of Genk and

A Rare Constellation of Sound and Place

WIM MERTENS + ELISABETH KLINCK | B-CLASSIC × AFF13 September 2025 | Protected Paradise, LABIOMISTA On Saturday 13 September, the wild...

Vanmechelen passes the torch

After four transformative years as inspirator of the Watou Arts Festival, Koen Vanmechelen is now passing the torch. He believes the time...

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PORTFOLIO

Vanmechelen's oeuvre is characterised by diversity: a unique mix of paintings, drawings, photography, innovative 3D-techniques, video, installations and wooden sculptures. Discover a selection of works.

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LABIOMISTA

Visit LABIOMISTA and discover the unique vision of artist Koen Vanmechelen and his life's work in terms of identity, fertility & biocultural diversity. A garden of order and chaos, an arena of culture and nature. Vanmechelen's wonder lab.

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PROJECTS & FOUNDATIONS

Discover some of Vanmechelen's crossbreeding projects and their supporting foundations; intersecting art, science, sociology and culture. It's the artist way of reflecting on the existential questions of individual identity and life, and it touches on contemporary issues regarding human rights, sustainability and multiculturalism.

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