Dajo Van den Bussche

Dajo Van den Bussche is an artist based in Ostend, Bruges and Brussels. For KONVOOI he wants to implant a challenging and non-orthodox selection of audio-visual artists in the port of Bruges.

“The possibility of curating a program combining different media sounds almost utopian to me. For KONVOOI I want to lure the audience into an industrial off-space while they put aside any institutionalized presumptions or conventions. With a challenging and non-orthodox selection of audio-visual artists, I not only want to highlight the characteristics of the many different elements within the space, but also emphasize how the different artistic practices interact and connect to a rather harsh environment.”

What inspiration did you find in the surroundings of the port of Bruges?

“For the past three years I’ve been extensively working and documenting in the port of Ostend for my graduation project. It was highly inspiring to wander around in another port and stumble upon a different industrial purpose and history. Despite the remarkable difference, the two areas seem to have a similar visual identity. Between the monstrous metal structures and aggressive architecture, there is a certain melancholic beauty to be found in every corner.”

What artistic project you will present at KONVOOI?

“I’ve selected artists whose work directly or indirectly engages in a dialogue with the time and space in which the work is created. The core of this recurring concept can be found in the choice of materials which results from a tension between distance and emotion. Obviously I try to bring together a mix as diverse as possible – but still addressing the same problem – in my selection of auditory and visual work.”

What was your approach curating the line-up?

“We are very lucky in Belgium to have a tasty menu, culture wise. With one big flaw: either it’s a meticulously curated music festival with some artistic side focus, or it’s an unapproachable, competitive exhibition with no focus on music, except for a dj on an opening night. With this in mind, I wanted to combine the two as much as possible. For Konvooi 2022, every invited artist is a headliner.”