Koen Vanmechelen creates new artwork for Art on the Meuse in Dilsen-Stokkem

Along the Meuse in Rotem (Dilsen-Stokkem), a new artwork will rise in 2026: Future Fossil, by Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen (BE, °1965). The monumental sculpture embodies the ongoing dialogue between humans, river and nature – a tribute to the landscape of the RivierPark Maasvallei.

A fossil from the future

With a view over the Meuse, between Kempenstraat and the cycle dyke towards Elerweerd, Future Fossil will soon take shape. The work is rooted in old sandbags once piled up to resist the force of the river. Today they are partly absorbed by earth and roots – silent witnesses to alternating floods and human settlement. From these remnants rises a charred willow, a species that has long belonged to the landscape around Dilsen-Stokkem.

The trunk bears the marks of the beaver – the engineer of the Meuse – gnawing, building, and struggling to find space in a landscape regulated by humans. Man and beaver mirror each other: both trying to tame the water, set boundaries and shape their habitats. The tree is crowned by an egg, symbolising hope and new beginnings. In this way, human, animal and river intertwine into one shared story.

"Future Fossil invites more than just looking: it invites experience, memory and reflection. Perhaps one day it will be found as a fossil from the future – a testimony to how we, today, are seeking ways to coexist with the river that both carries and challenges us." - Koen Vanmechelen

In dialogue with the Meuse and its inhabitants

The artwork emerged from conversations with a working group of residents from Dilsen-Stokkem. They asked for a work that would express the deep bond between people and the Meuse, and the tension between human needs and nature. Koen Vanmechelen visited the site several times and, during a stay in the region, drew inspiration from the landscape and the stories of the local community.

"With Koen Vanmechelen, Art on the Meuse once again chooses an artist who manages to interweave art, nature and society in a deeply meaningful way. The design has been approved, and we are doing everything possible to complete the work before the Easter holidays of 2026."- Adinda Van Geystelen, General and Artistic Director, Z33

For centuries, people have lived in the Meuse Valley despite the constant threat of flooding. This perseverance reflects their connection to the river – but the valley is not inhabited by humans alone: nature also claims its space.

"The Meuse is our lifeline. She gives, takes and connects. With Future Fossil, Koen Vanmechelen brings this story of balance and coexistence to life in an impressive way. The artwork invites us to look again at the relationship between people and the river – a theme that touches us deeply in Dilsen-Stokkem." - Mayor Sofie Vandeweerd and Alderman for Tourism Lydia Peeters

A site of significance

The work will be located at Meerheuvel, near the corner of Kempenstraat and the winter dyke. It overlooks a bird-rich, water-rich area and sits directly along the Limburg Cycle Route Network and the Long-Distance Trail in the RivierPark Maasvallei. Visitors will be able to discover it from spring onwards.

"The site where the artwork will appear is owned by De Watergroep," says spokesperson Kathleen De Schepper. "The Meerheuvel pond, as a strategic reserve area, forms a cornerstone of the climate-resilient water supply of the future. The fact that Future Fossil will be located here underlines the importance of careful management of our water resources."

Progress in Maaseik and Maasmechelen

Along Klauwenhofweg, between the Meuse and the Heerenlaakplas in Maaseik, construction of Echoes of a Landscape by Adrien Tirtiaux is steadily progressing. The three monumental towers in steel, brick and concrete are taking shape, although no official opening date has yet been set.

In Maasmechelen, by contrast, the festive unveiling of Reflection by Germaine Kruip is already scheduled: the artwork will be officially revealed on Sunday 22 March 2026, in the presence of the artist herself.

Practical information

The artwork will be located north of cycling junction 46, along the Long-Distance Trail in the RivierPark Maasvallei, and just a short distance from the red and blue walking routes of the Stokkem hiking area (starting point: Visitor Center De Wissen). Dutch visitors can, during the season, take the Rotem–Grevenbicht ferry. The exact date of the unveiling will be announced later via kunstaandemaas.be/en

About Art on the Meuse

Art on the Meuse is an initiative of Z33, House for Contemporary Art, Design & Architecture (Hasselt) and Regionaal Landschap Kempen & Maasland.

The project is supported by Flanders, in particular by Tourism Flanders and the Cultural Infrastructure Fund (FoCI), and the five Flemish Meuse municipalities (Kinrooi, Maaseik, Dilsen-Stokkem, Maasmechelen and Lanaken). The project is being carried out in cooperation with numerous actors who are active in the Meuse valley.