When I was little, I wanted to become a professional gift maker.

Not because I loved objects, but because I loved the strange intimacy of giving: finding the thing that meant for someone. A gift that says “I saw this and thought of you”. Years later, I realised that choosing an artwork can feel similar. There is often a recognition between a painting and a person — something instinctive and emotional — a little like falling in love.

Gift exhibitions were born from this idea.

A gift exhibition is a private show created for a person, couple, or family on the occasion of a life celebration: a birthday, wedding, anniversary, retirement, baby shower, goodbye, welcome home, or any other beautiful feast of life. The exhibition is composed of artworks within the budget gathered by friends, partners, family, or colleagues, and during an intimate apéro or tea, the person being celebrated is invited to choose the work they want to take home.

The first gift exhibition happened a few years ago, when a group of friends contacted me looking for a painting for a 40th birthday gift. The birthday girl already owned one of my works, and they asked which paintings were available. Instead of simply sending images, I proposed to create a private exhibition in my studio, tailored to her. We opened a bottle of bubbles, talked about the paintings, and she found her artwork.

A little later, on a train to Germany, I was talking with a young woman about work, Brussels life, projects, and plans. I mentioned this exhibition concept and joked that I had fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a gift maker. Some weeks later, she wrote asking whether such an experience could also exist “long distance.”

And so the portfolio version of the gift exhibition was born.

A curated selection of paintings — sometimes as many artworks as years being celebrated — photographed in different frames and interiors so the recipient can imagine how each piece might live in their home before choosing the one that feels right.

How it works

Gift exhibitions can take place in my studio in Etterbeek, at a location of your choice, or in the form of a printed or digital portfolio.

Budgets generally range from 500 to 5000 €.

The gifting party sends me the budget, details about the occasion, and a few thoughts about the taste or personality of the gifté·e(s). From there, I curate the exhibition or create the portfolio selection.

In the studio version, the gifté·e(s), together with the gifting party, are invited to discover the private exhibition over an apéro or tea. Once the artwork has been chosen, we can discuss framing options if needed, and I take care of the framing before the piece travels to its new home.

If you are a best wo/man, wedding planner, sibling, friend, colleague, or family member organising a birthday, anniversary, retirement, baby shower, farewell, or any other fabulous feast of life, and would like to offer an original work of art to someone close to your heart, feel free to write to me at:

2mimikunz(at)gmail.com