Bruges Central

Born in 1958, Luc Tuymans is one of the leading artists of his generation. His fascination with Central Europe's eventful history has been translated into a highly personal exhibition. Some thirty refreshingly innovative artists from that region show work that displays a clear vision of society. Like Tuymans, they don't shy away from themes such as war, violence and trauma.

A key role is allocated to animation film, a genre Central Europe excels in and which the art world is increasingly embracing. Work will be shown by internationally celebrated animation artists from that region. In the run-up to the exhibition, Pawel Althamer's striking work 'Balloon' will hover above Bruges.

The exhibition trail will lead to five locations in the city, providing an idiosyncratic and up-to-the-minute view of a region on the move.

In the fifteenth century the Flemish Primitives triggered an artistic revolution in Central Europe. Talented painters like Jan van Eyck with his brilliant eye for detail, introduced new painting styles and techniques. Their influence spread rapidly and inspired scores of artists, including the painter, draughtsman and etcher Albrecht Dürer.

Van Eyck and Dürer are two great masters from the period 1420-1530. A pioneering exhibition brings together first-rate works by them and some of their contemporaries, drawn from notable European and American collections. Paintings and other art forms will illustrate the interaction between the Flemish Primitives and art in Central Europe. The exhibition looks set to be one of the cultural experiences of 2010.