Mantle of Love, Cosmogolem, Sint-Denijs-City (BE), 14 AUG - 21 SEPT 2025

Koen Vanmechelen is one of 43 artists selected for the second edition of the art biennale Sint-Denijs-City. From 14 August to 21 September 2025, he will present two works at this unique exhibition in the rural village of Sint-Denijs.

Under the curatorship of Jan Leysen, the village once again transforms into a surprising setting for contemporary art. The biennale offers a blend of art, landscape and social engagement. The route spans around twenty indoor and outdoor locations, including the church, old farmhouses, traditional pubs, a food forest, a vineyard and the region’s characteristic rural meadows.

“In the first edition of Sint-Denijs-City, we explored the tension between village and city, countryside and urbanisation. This paradox is further refined in this second edition. It’s no longer just about how a community relates to its environment, but also how the individual finds their place within it. Many artists question their own role in the world. Art becomes a mental space – an attempt to respond to the search for meaning. Do I only exist in relation to the other…? A second edition, following such a successful first one, is perhaps an even greater challenge. But we embrace it. The route has been partly redesigned, encouraging visitors to discover new slow paths and natural surroundings.”

— Curator Jan Leysen

Vanmechelen presents two works at the biennale:

In the church of Sint-Denijs, he presents Mantle of Love, a sculpture of a tiger with wings that plays with themes such as strength, fragility and hidden stories.

Sint-Denijs-City 2025 places strong emphasis on participation and the social fabric of village life. On the grounds of Ten Dries Jongerenzorg, a four-metre-high wooden Cosmogolem will be constructed together with the local community. On Saturday 6 September, children and young people will have the opportunity to help activate the sculpture by filling it with their hopes and dreams – a participatory project centred on connection and hope.

Exhibition Facts

When: 14 August – 21 September 2025

Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10:30am – 6:00pm

More info & tickets: www.sintdenijscity.be

Cosmogolem activation: Saturday 6 September at Ten Dries Jongerenzorg

https://www.sintdenijscity.be/event-details/activatie-cosmogolem-2