The opening ceremony of the exhibition «James Ensor: Between Mask and Reality» was held at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the presence of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The event was organized as part of the state visit to Kazakhstan by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.

The distinguished guests were presented with works by Belgian artist James Ensor.

The exhibition features selected works by James Ensor, one of Belgium’s most prominent artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a leading representative of Symbolism, and an artist who made a significant contribution to the development of European Modernism.

Through images of masks, carnivals, skeletons, and grotesque figures, Ensor explored human nature, social phenomena, and the contradictions between outward appearances and inner realities. His works invite profound reflection on the relationship between imagination and reality, the nature of human existence, and the characteristics of society.

The exhibition provides an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Belgium, promote international artistic heritage, and foster greater interest in European art among Kazakhstani audiences.

The exhibition will run from 13 October 2026 to 13 January 2027.