Einfühlung is a publication by Boutique Vizique in collaboration with Topo Copy, produced in a limited edition of three. It merges visual art and literature to delve into the concept of empathy. It features the Einfühlung image series by Piotr Szyhalski and the short story “Mijn zus, mijn zus, mijn zus en ik” by Jutta Callebaut.
Rather than opting for a wide-scale distribution, we intentionally focused on the sharing and passing along of the three copies. The first copy embarked on a journey from the neighborhood into the wider world, traveled from one living room to another, and was passed between neighbors, family, and friends. The other two copies are available locally at De Kunstenbibliotheek and our office, both in Ghent.
A brief history
This publication originates from a series of images displayed in the Boutique Vizique lightbox in Ghent between mid 2023 and late 2024. Each of the nine drawings was showcased for 4 months in an alternating format, switching sides before making way for the next work in the series.
The fleeting nature of the lightbox exhibition made us dream of a publication that could extend its presence across time and space. We invited Jutta Callebaut to craft a short story, using the images and the theme of empathy as her foundation.
Her story, “Mijn zus, mijn zus, mijn zus en ik”, explores the intricate dynamics between four sisters. We are taken into their imagination, populated by longhorn beetles, moles, and soil – an imaginary world that connects them to each other while also shielding them from a world in which they often feel misunderstood. As a reader, you're invited to empathize with their lives, both as children and as grown-up sisters.
Jutta writes in a subtle and personal way, using vivid language in which humor and feelings of fear alternate and complement each other. Her story is a reflection on the power of empathy, the importance of family ties, and the challenges of understanding one another. It resonates with the themes of Piotr Szyhalski's images, which depict the fragility and strength of human connections.
The book was officially presented on April 19 2025 during a public book launch and reading session with Jutta Callebaut at De Pastory.
The book is available on loan at De Kunstenbibliotheek and our office (Bouwmeestersstraat 46) in Ghent on Fridays or after appointment.
Listen to the one-hour audiobook, narrated by Jutta herself, using the player below.but you can also find it on Soundcloud.
Thank you:
Piotr Szyhalski and Jutta Callebaut for their trust and creative twists.
Joseph del Pesco for the initiative, feedback, and connection with Piotr.
Dagmar Dirkx for the golden tip and the contact with Jutta.
Jens Wijnendale and Jonas Nachtergaele for brainstorming, designing, printing, and pushing forward.
Formlab and Atelier Grafiek KASK for the plotting and blind emboss printing support.
Inge Coolsaet for proofreading.
Marthe, Hans, Kathleen, Jonas, and Caroline for guiding our nonprofit organization throuhghout the years.
Tine and Mary for the love and so much more.