James Ensor vs Willy Finch - a story of friendship and loss

During the 1880s, James Ensor often spent time in his hometown of Ostend in the company of his close friend, Alfred William Finch, who, like Ensor, was of British origin and grew up in the seaside town. Finch was renowned not only as a painter but also as a ceramic artist. In 1897, Finch moved to Finland where he was in charge of the ceramics department at the Iris company and taught ceramics in Helsinki. The collaboration between Chambres d’O and the students of Ceramic Arts Academy (KAZ) originates from the relationship between Ensor and Finch, combined with the theme of farewell, loss, and remembrance. The object serves as a symbol or remnant of a vanished relationship or what is 'lost'. As part of Chambres d’O, Ostend's living rooms are also involved. Ensor is always present, either explicitly or subtly, deeply ingrained or just beneath the surface.