For Slow Art Day 2025, Sint-Andrieskerk (Saint Andrew’s Church) in Antwerp, Belgium hosted a small and intimate gathering centered on slow looking, reflection, and shared meaning. The event was coordinated by Viviane Vandenbroucke and thoughtfully led by members of the church community.
The experience embodied the core spirit of Slow Art Day: slowing down, looking closely, and engaging in meaningful dialogue.
For adult visitors, the session was led by Father Rudi Mannaerts, priest of Sint-Andrieskerk. Participants were guided in slow looking at the modello of the Crucifixion of Saint Andrew.
Under Father Mannaerts’ leadership, visitors were encouraged to take time with the work, observing details, reflecting on its symbolism, and discussing how the artwork connects visual form and spiritual meaning.
Interestingly, the painter of this modello – Otto van Veen – was not only the most celebrated painter in Antwerp in the late 16th century, he was also Peter Paul Rubens’ *teacher*. So when the Slow Art Day participants looked slowly at this painting, they were also seeing some of what Rubens’ himself saw centuries ago.
For children, guide Wiske Claus led a parallel experience in the Sacristy. Young participants were introduced to the garments worn by priests and learned about their meanings and uses within the church year.
By engaging directly with these objects, children were invited to look carefully, ask questions, and connect visual elements with deeper significance — a hands-on approach aligned with Slow Art Day’s emphasis on attentive observation.
Sint-Andrieskerk demonstrated how Slow Art Day can thrive in intimate, religious settings as well museums and galleries. The church is already planning its 2026 event, where visitors will gather to slowly contemplate What is the truth? (2012), a contemporary painting by French artist Alain Senez. Inspired by Pontius Pilate’s famous question before the death sentence of Jesus, the work reflects on how media and perception shape what we believe to be true. Led once again by Father Rudi Mannaerts, the church will host multiple sessions throughout the afternoon, continuing its thoughtful approach of connecting historical faith spaces with modern artistic questions.
We are especially grateful to Viviane Vandenbroucke, Father Rudi Mannaerts, and Wiske Claus for continuing to support Slow Art Day within the church community. Sint-Andrieskerk has been an important participant in bringing Slow Art Day into sacred spaces, helping inspire the growing church movement within our global network.
We hope that more churches and sacred spaces join our movement in 2026, and we certainly look forward to hearing about Sint-Andrieskerk’s event on April 11th.
— Ashley, Johanna, Jessica Jane, and Phyl
