Ellen Dhondt
ARTCONTEST WINDOW - I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
26.06 > 26.08.25
VERNISSAGE THURSDAY 26 JUNE 2025 From 5-8pm
EllieDollyPicking
ArtContest and Michèle Schoonjans Gallery are pleased to invite you to discover the installation “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly”, created by Belgian artist Ellen Dhondt, 2024 laureate.
An active member of ArtContest since 2007, Michèle Schoonjans is offering her gallery as a window display for ArtContest during the summer of 2025.
In this series, Dhondt draws inspiration from the visual logic of compartmentalised plates designed for picky eaters, evoking a psychology of order, control, and emotional fragmentation. With “Picky Eating”, the artist explores the subject of food refusal—often one of the first expressions of autonomy in children, a quiet yet significant act of resistance conveyed through rejection.
Ellen Dhondt’s artistic practice stands out for its bold visual style and dynamic exploration of contemporary culture, identity, and humour. She draws on educational and childhood imagery—such as paper dolls and learning materials—and introduces Ellie Dolly, a figure in her own likeness who serves as an alter ego. Through this character, the artist explores autobiographical narratives while questioning the construction of feminine identity and the stereotypes surrounding it.
By playing with caricature and visually familiar forms, Dhondt addresses taboos related to the body, consumption, and norms imposed from early childhood. Her work continues to evolve as she establishes herself further on the Belgian art scene.
Please note: the gallery is closed during the summer.
The installation is visible from outside, on the ground floor, every day except Sunday. If you would like more information about the works or are interested in acquiring a piece, feel free to contact the gallery.