Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

On Wednesday 26 August 2026, the Valentiny Foundation in Remerschen hosted the opening of the contemporary art exhibition “Opt Out!”, which brings together fifteen artists from Cyprus, Greece, Austria and Luxembourg.

The exhibition, organised and curated by artist Stella Christofi in collaboration with Cyprus-based artistic organisation M.A.M.A Contemporary, is supported by the Cypriot Ministry of Culture's Department of Modern Art and the Valentiny Foundation.

According to the organisers, “Opt Out!” explores themes including borders, exception, refusal and transitional spaces through a variety of artistic forms and materials. The title refers to the concept of opting out as a state of exception, particularly within the context of Europe and the Schengen area, and considers the possibility of choosing to remain outside an established system.

Among the participating artists is Fabien Neisius, whose installation features a model freight train travelling around seven different bridge typologies. The bridges draw inspiration from Luxembourg, Germany and France, including Luxembourg City's Adolphe Bridge and a French bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The work reflects cross-border exchange in the Greater Region, while also referencing differences between the railway systems of the three countries.

Speaking with Chronicle.lu, Stella Christofi explained: “The term ‘Opt Out’ implies a state of exception that exists in the Schengen area.” She added that the exhibition's participating artists engage with political themes through “many different materials or forms”.

Nicolas Meiers, Director and Head of Programmes and Management at the Valentiny Foundation, said that the foundation aims to bring together artists from around the world. Referring to the exhibition spaces, he said: “The galleries are perfectly fit to either make installations or exhibits like paintings or photographs.” He added that the venue's acoustics also allow for installations incorporating sound.

Speaking about his work, Fabien Neisius said: “I use a freight train because it's quite slow. And also it can carry a lot of wagons.” Describing its connection with the region, he added: “It represents the way [...] how we exchange between the three different countries.”

The “Opt Out!” exhibition is open at the Valentiny Foundation in Remerschen until Sunday 20 September 2026.