Ryan Gander X Edgar Degas - Pas de Deux

Since 2008, Gander has been working on a conceptual series in which he reinterprets Degas' world-famous sculpture Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans (1880-1881) and places it in a contemporary context. With his sculptures, Gander frees Degas' 14-year-old dancer from her pedestal and places her in different scenarios. The exhibition at Beelden aan Zee shows the series of Gander's 22 ballerinas for the first time, and also in direct connection with Degas' famous sculpture.

Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans marks the transition from classical to modern sculpture. With the sculpture of the young ballerina in a subdued and realistic pose, the French master captured not only the beauty of ballet life, but also the tension between the discipline of ballet and the fragility of youth. More than a century later, Ryan Gander reflects on Degas' work with a series of ballerina images in unexpected or everyday situations, with the most poetic of titles. His reinterpretations raise questions about the idealisation of the ballerina and the role of art in presenting reality versus fiction. 

For the first time, Gander's full series of 22 sculptures will be shown, including a new work created especially for this exhibition. With exceptional loans from museums and collections worldwide, Beelden aan Zee creates a unique encounter between the timeless beauty of Degas and the fresh eye of Gander.