Sculptures route in Brussels

On the 17th of July, the City of Brussels inaugurated an exhibition consisting of four sculptures in its pedestrian zone. This initiative by Karine Lalieux, Alderwoman for Culture, was made possible thanks to a close collaboration with the Boghossian Foundation, who planned this short tour through the public space, and which is on display until the 4th of September.

Four beautiful sculptures were placed on a stretch of the pedestrian zone, between rue Grétry and rue Marché aux poulets. These works, including three created by Johan Baudart and one by Thierry Bontridder, are part of the Boghossian Foundation’s collection. “I often repeat “Art is the Answer” – and can create a link where language fails to do so. It was in that mind that I created the Villa Empain, a space for art and dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures and open to all. I am very pleased to now see these works on display for a wider audience” says Jean Boghossian, President of the Boghossian Foundation.

In the framework of her policy of democratising and increasing accessibility to culture, Karine Lalieux wished to collaborate with the Boghossian Foundation, in order to bring to light two Belgian artists for those who might not have had the chance to see their work yet, and to give art lovers the chance to enjoy these works in a public, free space. “Placing Johan Baudart’s and Thierry Bontridder’s work in the heart of the pedestrian zone, between a hardware store and a chocolate shop might surprise the general public, but I think it is important for art to be everywhere, and especially where we don’t expect it. Furthermore, I don’t think that art is limited to galleries and museums; art is much more meaningful when it connects with people in their everyday lives, and when it breaks convention” explains Karine Lalieux, Alderwoman for Culture for the City of Brussels.

It is also important for the Foundation to share this Belgian heritage with its public. “I want to thank Karine Lalieux for wanting to work with the Boghossian Foundation on this ambitious project to embellish the city. The Boghossian Foundation’s aim is indeed to ensure that the citizens of Brussels and tourists are able to discover the riches its collection has to offer. We would like to renew this experience in the future, through the installation of several of our sculptures in various locations throughout the city” adds Louma Salamé, the General Manager of the Boghossian Foundation.