It is with sadness we heard about the passing away of festival director and curator Frie Leysen (70). In 2007 she received an honorary doctorate of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The university awarded her the title of Doctor Honoris Causa for her unorthodox, inspiring, and bold role in the art world.
The art historian played a vital role, cementing the international reputation of deSingel and contributing to the success of the bicultural arts festival project in Brussels.
Leysen pursued her ideal to turn Brussels into a meeting place for two communities. Her ambition was always to create an open, international cultural climate, without silo thinking, across community divisions. In her opinion, an open mindset does not make you lose your identity. On the contrary, actually. The VUB also espouses this societal vision.
“Disturbing not pleasing, should be art’s role”
Frie Leysen wanted to immerse Brussels in a cultural offering that was worthy of the capital of Europe. She introduced Europeans to other cultures, disproving the ignorance and fear of them. She travelled the world, sharing the wealth of her experiences with audiences in Brussels.
Art speaks a universal language, that is heard, seen, and interpreted in a multidimensional way. It transcends differences, reconciling vulnerability and strength, aversion, and wonderment. Frie Leysen use art and the theatre to promote integration and understanding. With her quote “Art’s role should be disturbing, not pleasing” she infers that art should be a reflection of our society. It must dare to show what is raw and leave what is clean to be clean. Theatre is a living art form. Great artists sometimes create productions that are not great. That is a risk that they must dare to take. Art does not adapt to audiences; it is the audience that must adapt to the art.
Our deepest condolences to everyone close to this exceptional woman.