“Then there is the Cosmogolem project, which focuses on children’s rights," says Koen Vanmechelen. "With our Giant of Hope we stimulate children to express themselves through poetry, stories, dance and visual arts. We show them a language so that others will listen to them. This is very important. I have gone to more then 40 countries already; this project inspires so much hope.”

The Cosmogolem is a large wooden structure of about 4 meters high. It is a symbolic helper and savior for all the children in the world. He brings relief to children in need. Although he is always silent, this giant statue makes children speak. The Cosmogolem helps them find their identity and voice. Through a hatch in the wooden giant, the children can deposit their dreams, hopes and desires. It is an entrypoint to the world. The CosmoGolem is always on the move, from India to Nicaragua, from Tanzania to Belgium; he brings cultures together. Just like the Cosmopolitan Chicken Project.

The Cosmogolem never stops looking for places where he can arrive and bring hope to children in need. To date, Cosmogolems have been erected in Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Belgium, India, Holland and Chili. The youth music organization ‘Up With People’ has taken the Cosmogolem on a world tour. Many other Cosmogolems are on their way. The Cosmogolem is always made with the help of children, under the supervision of the artist. Sometimes it is sent from one country to another, sometimes it is made in situ.

Koen recalls: “I made a big wooden geometric sculpture when I was 18. Looking at it in my studio, I thought it looked like a Golem, a giant. Later, I learned that the Golem stands for big evolutions.” The original word Golem means embryo or formless substance. The Golem can therefore be formed; it can grow and develop, just like an embryo. The NGO CosmoGolem coordinates this project and has two honorary members: human rights activist and nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, Jeanne Devos (Mumbai, India), who adopted the project-in-process in 2016, and child and adolescent psychiatrist Peter Adriaenssens (Catholic University of Leuven).

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VISIT WWW.COSMOGOLEM.COM for more information and current projects

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