God Speed Exhibition: A Fusion of Contemporary Design and Historic Elegance
Antwerp-based gallery Uppercut is making waves with its latest exhibition, God Speed, showcased in the exquisite 19th-century neo-gothic villa, Chateau de Spycker, located near Bruges. This stunning locale provides a fitting backdrop for the inventive works of six contemporary designers, blending historical architecture with cutting-edge design.
Featured Designers and Their Works
The exhibition highlights an exciting array of works, such as elaborate glass vessels created by Danish designer Alexander Kirkeby and melted polystyrene furniture from French designer Nicolas Zanoni. These pieces offer a glimpse into the unique capabilities and styles that each designer brings to the table.
Accompanying Kirkeby and Zanoni are luminaries including Belgian designer Linde Freya Tangelder, South Korean designer [Yoon Shun](http://Yoon Shun), New York-based Greek designer Kiki Goti, and the studio LS Gomma, led by British designer Joel Muggleton. Each brings their own narrative and artistic vision, adding depth and diversity to the exhibit.
The Venue: Chateau de Spycker
Chateau de Spycker is not just a setting; it is a character in the exhibition. Once the summer residence of an aristocratic family, the villa has been transformed into a sophisticated guesthouse, renovated by Scott Lippens’ family nearly two decades ago. The ornate rooms filled with decorative wall moldings, gilded furniture, and marble fireplaces create a sumptuous environment that enhances the contemporary works displayed throughout the exhibition.
An Expansive Exhibition Space
This year’s exhibition is noteworthy for its expansion beyond a single room, allowing for a more immersive experience that flows from the grand entry hall through to the dining and drawing rooms. The choice of spaces encourages a unique dialogue between the modern pieces and the villa’s historical elements—a juxtaposition Lippens deliberately cultivated.
The Curatorial Approach
Lippens, inspired by his experiences at the newly inaugurated Fondazione Dries Van Noten in Venice, decided to retain many of the villa’s ornate details while showcasing contemporary designs. He expressed that the conflict between antiquities and modern design can create a harmonious relationship, asserting, “They actually go really well together.”
For instance, the dining room features LS Gomma’s Drunken Vessels displayed elegantly alongside figurative sculptures, highlighting this dialogue. Meanwhile, in the drawing room, the vibrant green walls complement Zanoni’s multitextural furniture, all arranged carefully over patterned rugs.
Highlighted Works in Detail
In the entry hall, visitors encounter a collection of large contemporary works, including Tangelder’s folded aluminum Reworked bench and a decorative coffee table showcasing Kirkeby’s glassware. Shun’s hand-carved wooden pieces, including furniture and lighting, demonstrate unique techniques like charring oak, merging craftsmanship and artistry.
The exhibition is not just a display but a curated experience where each piece interacts with its surroundings, inviting visitors to explore the story each design tells.
A Growing Gallery
Uppercut, which began as a personal endeavor for Lippens, has flourished into a recognized gallery specializing in collectible design. Its founder, with a background in fashion design, has shifted focus to promote innovative material processes in design. With plans for a dedicated gallery space following showcased success at major fairs in Paris, New York, and Brussels, Uppercut is on an upward trajectory.
Exhibition Details
God Speed is on display at Chateau de Spycker, located at Spijkersdreef 13, 8310 Brugge. The exhibition runs from July 30 to August 30, 2026, offering art and design enthusiasts a chance to explore a captivating blend of the past and present.
The stunning visuals from the exhibition are documented by photographer Jules Ange, whose work adds another layer to the narrative created within the Chateau.
For those intrigued by the fusion of contemporary and historical design, this exhibition presents a remarkable opportunity to see how these diverse elements can coexist beautifully.