In A Serene Dialogue of Matter, the works of Benoît Viaene and Katrien Doms converge in a quiet yet powerful exchange—an encounter where material, gesture, and time resonate with one another in poetic harmony.

Architect and designer Benoît Viaene approaches form through a deep reverence for natural materials. His practice, rooted in a quest for authenticity, draws on architecture's structural discipline while embracing the sensual irregularity of nature. Each object he creates—whether furniture or spatial installation—carries a quiet strength, shaped by refined craftsmanship and a longing to move beyond artificial perfection. In his hands, organic forms and subtle textures become vehicles of introspection and calm, revealing the patina of time and touch.

In contrast, and perfect complement, Katrien Doms brings the elemental force of fire into her process. Sculpting wood outdoors, exposed to the unpredictable forces of nature, she transforms raw matter through heat, pressure, and intuition. Working without electricity, Katrien relies on extreme heat and seasonal conditions to carve, burn, and hollow out her pieces. What emerges is far from destructive: instead, the works are imbued with surprising softness, their charred surfaces shaped into gentle slopes and quiet curves. They carry the story of their making—a dialogue between artist, material, and the elements.