Luc Haenen
Death and Decay from Caravaggio to Sidsel Meineche Hansen
11.01.25
To mark the final weekend of Sidsel Meineche Hansen’s WAX exhibition, we welcome cardiac surgeon Luc Haenen for an inspiring lecture on the fascinating relationship between art and illness.
Luc Haenen (1959, Antwerp) shares his passion for how illness has been depicted in art throughout history. From old masters who unconsciously captured medical conditions to contemporary artists who place the sick body—in all its facets—at the center of their work.
Drawing from a rich visual archive, spanning Caravaggio and Munch to TikTok and modern art, Haenen uncovers the surprising connections between medicine, science, and art. This lecture, accessible to all, invites us to look longer, more consciously, and more deeply—ultimately helping us develop a digital viewing strategy that enhances understanding and empathy.
Practical information
The lecture will take place on Saturday, January 11, at 3:00 PM and will be delivered in English.
Following the lecture, at 4:15 PM, there will be a guided tour of the exhibition led by curator Simon Delobel.
Free contribution. Registrations possible: simon.delobel@hogent.be
Location: Cirque Auditorium, Louis Pasteurlaan 2, 9000 Ghent