Where History Meets Innovation: A Summer Design Spectacle

A Grand Setting for Modern Artistry: Uppercut's Annual Summer Showcase

The Chateau de Spycker, a 19th-century neo-Gothic architectural marvel, serves as the enchanting backdrop for Uppercut gallery's latest summer exhibition. This grand venue, once an aristocratic summer retreat and now a charming guesthouse managed by Scott Lippens' mother, Caroline Grootaert, has been the host of Uppercut's annual summer shows since the gallery's inception in 2023. 'God Speed' marks the fourth iteration of this celebrated event, expanding its presence across three significant rooms of the chateau.

The Curatorial Vision: Blending Eras and Aesthetics

Scott Lippens, director of Uppercut, articulated his curatorial philosophy, highlighting an inspiration drawn from Venice's Fondazione Dries Van Noten. His approach deliberately embraces the 'clash' between historical elements and contemporary design, finding a harmonious coexistence where others might see discord. This methodology allows antique sculptures and period decor to seamlessly integrate with modern installations, forging an engaging visual narrative.

Dining Room Dynamics: LS Gomma's 'Drunken Vessels'

In the chateau's elegant dining room, the interaction between different epochs is particularly striking. Here, LS Gomma's 'Drunken Vessels,' crafted from an intriguing combination of metal mesh and PU rubber, are thoughtfully arranged on a central table. These modern pieces engage in a fascinating visual conversation with the surrounding figurative sculptures, underscoring the exhibition's theme of juxtaposed aesthetics.

Drawing Room Transformations: Zanoni's Furniture and Goti's Glassware

The drawing room, characterized by its vibrant green walls and rich, colorful textiles, becomes a canvas for Nicolas Zanoni's multi-textured furniture, meticulously placed upon patterned rugs. Complementing these pieces are Kiki Goti's exquisite hand-blown glass vases, which add a touch of refined artistry to a marble-topped console table, further enriching the room's eclectic design tapestry.

The Entry Hall: A Bold Statement in Contemporary Design

Shifting the balance more definitively towards the contemporary, the chateau's expansive entry hall is dominated by a collection of larger-scale works. This space proudly features an array of pieces by Linde Freya Tangelder, including her distinctive folded aluminum Reworked bench. Alexander Kirkeby's delicate glassware finds its display on a coffee table by Tangelder, while Yoon Shun's unique lighting fixtures and furniture, showcasing his mastery of hand-carving and charring oak, also command attention.

Materiality as Muse: Uppercut's Design Philosophy

Lippens emphasized Uppercut's core focus on designers who exhibit a deep specialization in material processes. Drawing from his background in fashion, he described himself as "very material-driven," a sensibility that clearly informs the gallery's selections. This dedication to material exploration highlights the tactile and intrinsic qualities of each exhibited piece.

From Side Hustle to Gallery Space: The Evolution of Uppercut

Uppercut's journey began as Lippens' venture into buying and selling vintage mid-century furniture, which steadily gained momentum. This initial success eventually paved the way for the gallery's evolution, driven by Lippens' growing desire to collaborate with emerging talent and curate his own exhibitions. What started in his Antwerp art-deco apartment has now expanded, with Uppercut opening a dedicated gallery space following acclaimed presentations at international shows.

The Art of Scenography: Lippens' Creative Process

With each successive exhibition, Lippens notes a growth in his confidence and proficiency in layering diverse scenographies. He describes his approach as becoming "more strict with myself, but I can also work quite fast," revealing that the installation for the current summer show was completed in less than four hours. This intuitive and efficient process speaks to a deep connection with the art, guided by an internal sense of resonance.