Why Clairmarais?
Why Elata?
Why this internet site today?
After a long time of reflection and conscious of the political, social, artistic and human
reality, I am now able to present you Clairmarais in its present shape. The name
' Clairmarais' is a symbolic association of my wife's first name Claire who has always
supported my search and the area which used to be a marsh.

At the start, there are the green surroundings close to the city of Turnhout, and a house
that attracts the light and offers corners of shadow so suitable for reflection. Later, a
family pilgrimage to the Abbey of Clairmarais in the Pas-de-Calais has reinforced the
call of Clairmarais-Kunsthuis- to create an area of solidarity. The 'feminine' has always
had a natural influence upon me and induces to a perfect expression of the values that
link humanity to the universe. Clairmarais regularly brings many artists and friends
together some of whom have founded Elata on 1st of August 1999. 

The name Elata etymologically means 'revealed' and calls for a life of altruism, which is very
particular and complex. In full respect of the liberty of each individual, Elata expresses a
philosophy which is open to the world and sensitive to the social reality and which reflects on
human as well as on artistic values. Which is the place today of man and woman in the family,
in society, in nature, in the universe? Which is their place in the world of signs codified by the
logical, rational and conscious reality? Which is their place in the world of symbols, the
gangway to the sensible, intuitive and non- conscious reality? Can we find a unifying link
between the material and the spiritual, between shadows and lights, between individual and
common needs, between Me and the Others? Those are the questions asked by Elata! Can
art offer an answer on the path towards more humanity? Today art can play a role. A work of
art can be approached from an aesthetic point of view and the creator can be called an actor
fathoming life and questioning the future. As you will see in this internet site, 'the Feminine' as
archetype figure of the human thought is the theme. The feminine touches the heart, the
feeling, the self-sacrifice and of course the ethic conscience of the world. With pleasure
Clairmarais - illustration of 'Femina' - invites you to discover or rediscover
Belgian and foreign artists.

Michel Allard, Clairmarais, 2002