The coast has always held a strong attraction for artists. Even if they were not based there, many avant-garde movements were inspired by the Flemish coast. This exhibition catalogue is looking to emphasize that aspect.

The central figure is Ensor, who made an important contribution to the avant-garde on the Belgian coast and beyond. A fine selection of first-rate works by this unique artist is supplemented with works by artists who played a decisive role in the evolution of the history of art, from realism to surrealism through symbolism and expressionism. They include Spilliaert, Permeke, Delvaux, Magritte, Daumier, Munch, Van Gogh, De Chirico, Dali and Ernst.