A museum collection can grow in two ways: through purchases or gifts from national and international donors. S.M.A.K. has expanded its collection in recent years thanks to a number of generous donations. These are not only an invaluable support in terms of developing the collection, but also a sign that the museum’s work is appreciated. They also contribute to the organisation’s future.

In 2021, S.M.A.K. displayed a selection of donations in the exhibition Gifted, which showcased works by Marlene Dumas, Ann Veronica Janssens, Mario Navarro, Massimo Bartolini and Richard Tuttle, amongst others.

Presents is the museum’s second exhibition of donated artworks and it highlights the extraordinary gifts made during the last five years. The only common denominator is the commitment and generosity of the donors, who range from private collectors to galleries, estates and the artists themselves. Presenting the works in the museum for the first time is the best way to pay homage to our donors.

Presents includes a broad spectrum of work, from less well-known pieces by famous artists to recognisable works by those who are less renowned. Some of the artists already have a history of working with the museum. Either their work is already represented in the collection, or they have previously exhibited at S.M.A.K. The accompanying texts explain the works and links with the museum.

Finally, it is important to emphasise that donors also indirectly support the realisation of the new museum building, a dream that is slowly becoming a reality. Private donors make a crucial contribution to the organisation’s future, one that is perhaps greater than they imagine.

Presents comprises a selection of recent donations, tailored to the space available in the current building. Not every donation can be included in the galleries, but they are all of equal importance. For this reason, we have compiled a complete list of all the artists whose work has been donated to S.M.A.K. in the last five years.

Presents includes work by: Fred Bervoets, Michael Buthe, Peter Downsbrough, Tatjana Gerhard, Ellen Harvey, Anton Henning, Fabrice Hyber, Rashid Johnson, Kim Jones, Jean Katambayi Mukendi, Guillaume Leblon, Werner Mannaers, Xavier Noiret-Thomé, Laure Prouvost, Paula Siebra, Mircea Suciu, Luc Tuymans, Guy Van Bossche, Patrick Van Caeckenbergh, Jan Van Imschoot, Sandra Vásquez de la Horra, Rose Wylie and Cristof Yvoré.

Artists whose work has been donated to S.M.A.K. in the last five years: Harold Ancart, Apparatus 22, Martin Assig, Salam Atta Sabri, Leyla Aydoslu, Roger Ballen, Massimo Bartolini, Erick Beltrán, Danny Bergeman, Guillaume Bijl, Flurin Bisig, Kasper Bosmans, Charbel-joseph H. Boutros, Sergey Bratkov, Ricardo Brey, Koen Broucke, Christoph Büchel, Rui Chafes, Christine Clinckx, Stijn Cole, Leo Copers, Audrey Cottin, Honoré δ’O, Hugo Debaere, Jan De Cock, Ronny Delrue, Nikolaas Demoen, Willy De Sauter, Paul De Vylder, Nico Dockx, Pieter Engels, Michel François, Anna Bella Geiger, Jef Geys, Vincent Geyskens, Hans Haacke, Sheroanawe Hakihiiwe, Aziz Hazara, Wilfried Huet, Jean Norad Land, Adam Leech, Lloyd Corporation, Bernd Lohaus, Marc Maet, Sanjeev Maharjan, Enrique Marty, Danny Matthys, Bjarne Melgaard, Peter Morrens, Johan Muyle, David Nash, Mario Navarro, Hans Op De Beeck, Ria Pacquée, Dariusz Pala, Dennis Parren, Royden Rabinowitch, Ulf Rollof, Guy Rombouts, Michael Ross, Kurt Ryslavy, Carolee Schneemann, Mithu Sen, Michael E. Smith, Ante Timmermans, Narcisse Tordoir, Joëlle Tuerlinckx, Richard Tuttle, Charl van Ark, Philippe Vandenberg, Koen van den Broek, Carole Vanderlinden, Hannelore Van Dijck, Kristof Van Gestel, Paul Van Gysegem, Philip Van Isacker, Tamara Van San, Jan Vercruysse, Lois Weinberger en Patrick Wokmeni.