Belgian contemporary art director Jan Hoet dies at 77, took exhibits into homes, led Documenta

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In this undated photo provided on Thursday Feb. 27, 2014 by the Ostend Tourism Office, Jan Hoet speaks in Ostend, Belgium. Belgian contemporary art director Jan Hoet has died at 77 following a career in which he organized a major exhibition into a string of homes of ordinary people and curated Germany’s Documenta art fair. (AP Photo/Tourism Ostend)

BRUSSELS – Belgian contemporary art director Jan Hoet, who organized a major exhibition in the homes of ordinary people and curated Germany’s Documenta art fair, has died at age 77.

Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said Thursday the Belgian art world “loses a father” as he led a plethora of tributes to the veteran art expert.

Hoet was known for his outspokenness, andwas as scathing of art snobs as of politicians who did not get the point of modern art. In the process, his rasping, down-to-earth style brought contemporary art within the reach of everyone, making him a beloved Belgian cultural icon.

His fame spilled beyond the border and he became curator for major exhibitions from Germany to China.

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