Michel Boonefaes

MICHEL BOONEFAES

In collaboration with Studio Artîlerie Poperinge

The Observers, 2025

Michel Boonefaes makes dolls. An old sock, a knitted scarf or a pair of colourful sleeves: Michel sews them together into patchwork creatures. At first glance, they may look a bit rough, but their eyes reveal an awkward, shy view upon the world. What kind of beings are these?

Michel’s dolls are not mere stuffed toys. In therapeutic contexts, a doll or a stuffed toy can serve as a transitional object, opening doors to art and spirituality.

Dolls are of all times. They’ve been used in magical and religious rites, as guardians or talismans safeguarding good luck. They embody our innate desire to create and to connect.

What are these creatures?