Belgian artist Pieter Op de Beeck is bringing a sense of quiet melancholy to New York City's Fifth Avenue. starting around November 9, his ash-gray sculptures will occupy the Delvaux flagship store through early 2027.
Ash-gray sculptures and lily ponds arrive at Delvaux's Fifth Avenue flagship
The Delvaux flagship store on Fifth Avenue is set to transform into a space of quiet contemplation. According to the report, the installation will feature stands of bamboo, a rotating orrery, and two young figures positioned at opposite ends of a long lily pond. These ash-gray sculptures, which are described as both disquieting and tender, are scheduled to remain on display from approximately November 9 until February 2027.
Op de Beeck, a 57-year-old artist,describes his work as a study of "drifting into a melancholic moment." Rather than aiming for spectacular or dynamic gestures, his pieces focus on the concept of letting go. This approach offers a stark contrast to the high-energy spectacle often found in both the contemporary art world and the luxury retail sector.
A shared sense of "Belgian modesty" between artist and luxury house
The collaboration between Op de Beeck and Delvaux is rooted in a mutual appreciation for understated elegance . the artist noted that he felt an instant connection to the brand due to a shared "silent craft" and a commitment to "old-fashioned things like elegance or refinement." He specifically cited a "certain Belgian modesty" as a core aesthetic link between his work and the luxury house.
This connection was foreshadowed by Op de Beeck's previous work at the Almine Rech gallery in Brussels. In his "Cécile & Seascape" piece, he featured a Delvaux Brillant bag—an icon of midcentury design originally released in 1958—without the brand's prior knowledge. This organic alignment suggests that the Fifth Avenue installation is less a forced marketing move and more a natural extension of the artist's visual universe.
From opera scenography to the Brussels subway
While his work at Delvaux marks a new foray into the luxury fashion world, Op de Beeck has a deep history in scenography and costume design. He has previously wored with choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s company, Eastman, creating costumes that often utilize soft colors like milky pink and mustard to complement his signature grays.
His upcoming schedule remains as diverse as his medium. In March, he is set to design the stage for two Stravinsky operas, "Oedipus Rex" and "Le Rossignol," at the Berlin State Opera. Additionally, the artist plans to bring his work to a wider audience in December when a large-scale watercolor is unveiled in the subway beneath Brussels’ main train station.
What lies beyond the "Staging Silence" of this NYC debut?
While the installation promises a "zone to share solace," several details regarding the long-term nature of this partnership remain unconfirmed. The report does not specify if this is a recurring collaboration between Op de Beeck and Delvaux or a singular event. Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the artist's "enigmatic still-life arrangements" will be integrated with the brand's commercial displays.
While Op de Beeck's "Staging Silence" films are available for free on YouTube, the full extent of how his animated and photographic works might interact with the physical Fifth Avenue space is not yet clear.
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