After X-MAS Hantrax
February 27 – March 18, 2022 Hantrax Dolls is a visual project by Antwerp-based composer, performer, and pianist Han Swolfs (1984). Renowned for his live electronic performances and imaginative piano stage productions, his shows are kinetic, atmospheric, hypnotic, and cinematic.

A multifaceted musician who is both enigmatic and kind, Hantrax traverses musical genres with whimsical ease, moving from classical and jazz to sharp electronic music. Dubbed the illustrious prince of the Antwerp underground, Hantrax creates transformative soundscapes celebrated by connoisseurs and barbarians alike.

Hantrax Dolls is an ongoing experimental and non-intentional visual project, an écriture automatique with fabrics, found objects, and long-lost memories. The doll-like figures are reflective collages of daily life within a fantastic world.

With references to music, personal memories, philosophy, and true stories, Hantrax Dolls welcomes you into his permanent bubble, called Fantasy World:

“Hi, I just called to say I will stay in Fantasy World. It makes me feel more secure. Fairies tell me that outside this, in reality, feelings are more alive, great things can be felt, but every time I go in, I’m aware of danger. Mostly, I translate those awakenings into a silent voice: one that whispers, one that cares. When I feel brave, I realise that it’s alright. Reality is alright, but I don’t always understand. Fantasy World is a way of understanding. Just letting you know I’m alright and that I understand.”

— Hantrax



More Information


For the exhibition opening Hantrax invited befriended artist to create a series of ‘artist-dolls’ wearing the label ‘Hantrax Dolls by …’.  The artist dolls will be on view in the Christmas tree throughout the exhibition. Due to the pandemic, the exhibition had to be postponed multiple times. Proceeds from sales of the dolls were donated to help support the people of Ukraine.

Participating Artists; Carla Arocha, Guillaume Bijl, Daems van Remoortere, Ann Demeulemeester, Floor Wyns, Mekhitar Garabedian, Chris Gillis, Kati Heck, Shayli Harrison, Stefan Kartchev, Vedran Kopljar, Clara Lissens, Rufus Michielsen, Ria Pacquée, Sven Rayen, Stéphane Schraenen, Renée Simons, Luc Tuymans, Dennis Tyfus, Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, Ken Verhoeven, David Wauters and more.

For the exhibition opening, Hantrax invited befriended artists to create a series of “artist dolls” wearing the label Hantrax Dolls by …. The artist dolls will be on view in the Christmas tree throughout the exhibition.

Due to the pandemic, the exhibition had to be postponed multiple times. Proceeds from the sales of the dolls were donated to support the people of Ukraine.

Participating artists: Carla Arocha, Guillaume Bijl, Daems van Remoortere, Ann Demeulemeester, Floor Wyns, Mekhitar Garabedian, Chris Gillis, Kati Heck, Shayli Harrison, Stefan Kartchev, Vedran Kopljar, Clara Lissens, Rufus Michielsen, Ria Pacquée, Sven Rayen, Stéphane Schraenen, Renée Simons, Luc Tuymans, Dennis Tyfus, Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, Ken Verhoeven, David Wauters, and more.