This spring, By Accident takes over the gallery space of FIFTY ONE TOO with the first exhibition of the archive of Marcel De Baer (Geraardsbergen, 1922-2014). From 1961 to 1980, De Baer was a forensic expert (specialised in collisions) for the public prosecutor's office of the district of Oudenaarde, Belgium. In this capacity, he came at the scene of every major traffic accident that took place in the area to report on what had happened based on photos, measurements and technical drawings. His pictures, despite their macabre theme and the fact that they were made for strictly utilitarian purposes, possess a fascinating, accidental beauty. A selection is now brought together for the first time in an exhibition curated by De Baer's grandson, visual artist Erik Bulckens, who recently started his mission to inventorise and promote this extraordinary archive.

Press release courtesy Gallery Fifty One Too.