‘A Giant Sculpture’ by architect and artist Gijs Van Vaerenbergh is a permanent, site-specific sculpture located on the highest point of nature reserve Hoge Mouw (near Kasterlee, Belgium). The surrounding landscape is characterized by coniferous forests on sandy soil, with moors, fens, open sand drifts, hollow roads, and streams. Rich mystical stories dating back to pre-Christian cultures are tied to the land.
The form is the structure is that of a faceted head, with the form also closely resembling a dome structure. Made from 2215 welded 6mm thick metal triangles, several pieced have been omitted, making it possible to enter the interior space of the sculpture. In total, the sculpture measures 6 x 5 x 3 meters (l, w, h) and weighs around 2 tonnes.
Upon approach, the sculpture slowly reveals itself. From the forest, the visitor enters and open yet sunken sport. The head appears from the hollows as if it has just been uncovered while the remainder of the body lied beneath the surface.
The face features classical features found in Greek sculpture and is also reminiscent of excavated fragments of ancient sculptures of gigantic dimensions.
Uncanny in its appearance, this new work is characteristic of Gijs Van Vaerenbergh’s works in that it explores the extraordinary nature and mythical qualities of place.
