Hans De Pelsmacker

The work of art for this square will be created through active participation of local residents and local people in charge. This project is realized step by step by the inhabitants and the students of a primary school, in workshops directed by the artist and the non-profit organization Wisper.
The design consists of two separate monumental horizontal elements: a geometric beam form in concrete and an organic form in wood. Both parts form a whole and are placed in the centre of the square.
The beam form is a chain of concrete casts, which lengthwise forms a bench. On the horizontal sidewalls different drawings make up over the entire length. The things shown on the bench are realized by the local residents and come from their own environment.
The organic form is a closed monumental construction of planks, which, due to its form, lends itself to climb on to it, to picnic or to sunbathe on it, etc.
The form is inspired by the draping of cloth. The choice of draping cloth - a sculptural theme with a long history - refers to the important textile industry in the 19th century that was situated around the Rymhofplein.
This integration of art illustrates the interwovenness between the history of the textile industry and the current social contextually. The close involvement of the neighborhood and the functional aspect are a second concrete interwovenness.

Commissioned by: the City of Gent and the non-profit organization Wisper
See also: rymhof.blogspot.be
Material: concrete and larch