As part of our partnership with the association Friendly Foot, Samilia was invited on Tuesday, November 28, to the exhibition “HOPE AND OPTIMISM – Water, the Source of Life” at the European Parliament, under the expert guidance of curator Gerrit Kempeneers.
With his insightful perspective on the relationship between humans and water, Gerrit Kempeneers has brought together works by numerous artists that uniquely capture both the power and vulnerability of water. The exhibition offers a journey through the diverse viewpoints of the artists and presents innovative approaches to water preservation and sustainability. It reflects a future where water is not only a source of life but also an essential element for well-being and progress.
Members of the European Parliament, Hilde Vautmans and Guy Verhofstadt, are proud to provide a platform for artists across Europe. They aim to highlight the importance of international water management and the urgent need to address the global water challenge. Positioned at the heart of political decision-making and diplomacy, this artistic presentation serves as an advocacy for collective action and awareness.
Entering the world of “Hope and Optimism: Water, the Source of Life” means being guided by the powerful messages these artworks convey from all corners of the globe. In the fusion of art, politics, and business, a source of inspiration and a call to action emerges, reminding us that unity with water is key to a hopeful future.
Hope and Optimism: Water, the Source of Life
“Hope and Optimism” knows no geographical, political, or cultural boundaries. Since 1990, over a hundred artists from different countries have created works of art on the theme of hope and positive thinking, even during challenging times. What makes this project unique is that countries themselves were responsible for selecting the artists. A special selection of these works, also protected by UNESCO, is now exhibited at the European Parliament. The international exhibition features around twenty works.
The theme “Hope and Optimism” transcends both time and space. People from all eras, wherever they are in the world, can relate to hope and optimism when facing difficult circumstances. Looking at today’s global landscape—where large portions of the world population are impacted by climate change, rising temperatures, water pollution, and scarcity—the addition of “Water, the Source of Life” is a fitting title for this exhibition. Everyone is aware of the necessity and importance of clean, drinkable water and recognizes that water is essential for survival.
This theme presents serious challenges but simultaneously places humanity in a position conducive to hope and optimism. It intersects with innovative ideas, industries, and technological progress, all seeking solutions to contemporary water-related issues. On a global scale, solutions are being sought to address water problems. An example can be seen in ‘render X – Alexander Vos’, displayed in this exhibition, a Belgian initiative.
Water is precious to each of us across our blue planet, which is why the exhibition emphasizes its importance through art.
Curator: Gerrit Kempeneers (Sint-Truiden, 1960)
Gerrit Kempeneers, a consultant in economics and elite sports, works and lives in Sint-Truiden but is first and foremost a global citizen. He has built an international reputation as a physiotherapist. In the 1980s, he specialized in sports science and cardiac rehabilitation at the University of Cape Town, working with Professor Tim Noakes and Dr. Christiaan Barnard, the surgeon who performed the first heart transplant at the time. Gerrit became a pioneer in rehabilitation therapy for transplant patients.
He consolidated these international experiences into his own treatment method, aimed at putting people on the right path physically and mentally—not only curatively but, above all, preventively. The number of elite athletes, business leaders, managers, and employees he has worked with is unprecedented.
His contagious optimism, extensive network, and vast experiences led Gerrit to take on one of the greatest challenges of his life. The homage to Nelson Mandela remains one of the most important pillars of “Hope and Optimism”. This unique global artistic project, coordinated by Kempeneers, was created in 1990 and remains relevant today. Its traveling exhibition has met with international success. With this water-themed exhibition, he aims to add a new chapter to the project, raising awareness of the issue and building bridges toward solutions for the global water challenge.
