Katharina Van Cauteren & Rick de Leeuw

On 1 May 2025, the exhibition ‘Het komt allemaal goed’ opens at the Keizerskapel in Antwerp: an unexpected encounter between art and music, between writer-singer Rick de Leeuw and art historian Dr Katharina Van Cauteren, Executive Director of The Phoebus Foundation.

Rick de Leeuw followed his gut feeling and imagination. From the rich collection of The Phoebus Foundation, he selected twelve artworks – from a striking portrait of Emperor Charles V, to a drawing by court painter Hendrick De Clerck, and vibrant scenes by modernists such as Rik Wouters, Edgard Tytgat, and Frits Van den Berghe. Rick didn’t choose them for their art historical significance, but because they moved him. Because he could hear them. These images inspired texts and songs: personal, poignant, and always with a playful wink.

The twelve works are displayed in a theatrical, velvet-red installation in the heart of the late medieval Keizerskapel. Visitors can choose their perspective: do you look through the eyes of the art historian, see with the gaze of the poet, or listen to the music? The chapel becomes a soundbox full of colour, an exhibition space that also feels like an intimate music box – or better yet: a box of chocolates filled with subtle humour and sweet longing.

Katharina Van Cauteren: ‘Image and word go on a date in a mirror palace of red velvet. Rick brings the butterflies, I provide the context. Because wonder only truly works when you understand what you’re seeing.’

Rick de Leeuw: ‘These twelve songs would never have existed without these painters; the words and the music would never have found each other without their mastery. And it all comes together in this magnificent exhibition, in this magnificent place. One could be overjoyed for far less.’

With ‘Het komt allemaal goed’, The Phoebus Foundation shows SON what it stands for: art that lives, stimulates, and reaches people. This project serves as a playful prelude to what’s to come in The Phoebus Foundation’s future museum in the Boerentoren – a place where heritage and creativity meet and are continually reimagined.

Practical

‘Het komt allemaal goed’ can be experienced free of charge from 1 May at the Keizerskapel (Keizerstraat 23, Antwerp). On the same day, Rick de Leeuw’s music album of the same name has been released.

The Keizerskapel is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission and the use of an audio guide are free of charge.

Rick de Leeuw will also be touring throughout Belgium and the Netherlands.
Tour dates and album information can be found at rickdeleeuw.be.