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Koen Vanmechelen unveils impressive artwork ‘Seduction’ in Middelkerke



The Belgian coastal municipality of Middelkerke is unveiling ‘Seduction’, an impressive sculpture by artist Koen Vanmechelen. The sculpture, inspired by the mythical Minotaur, welcomes visitors in the entrance hall of the brand new landmark ‘Silt’, which has played a crucial role in the heart of the municipality since its opening. To strengthen that role, Middelkerke is s committed to the connecting and symbolic power of art. With Vanmechelen's hybrid artwork, half man and half bull, the artist's symbolism and philosophy will have a permanent place in the Silt: an ongoing dialogue between nature and culture, instinct and reason.


Since last year, Silt brings together four important functions under one roof on the Middelkerke seafront: a hotel, casino, restaurant and event location. Mayor Jean-Marie Dedecker underlines that art is essential to further enrich Silt; in collaboration with curator Jan Leysen, the Middelkerke municipality chose four internationally renowned artists to bring culture and wonder together in the building.

 

Seduction: ode to the power of life

 

Artist Koen Vanmechelen's Seduction depicts a hybrid creature, half man and half bull, inspired by the mythical Minotaur. The muscular, heroic body is based on the famous Greek bronzes, the Bronzi di Riace, while the imposing bull's head reflects the brute force of nature.

 

Vanmechelen reinterprets the mythical Minotaur as a dynamic creature that combines brute force and gaunt beauty. With its muscular body and imposing bull's head, the sculpture evokes powerful archetypal associations. ‘The Minotaur represents not only the indomitable forces in humans but also the tension between passion and control,’ he says. ‘In Seduction, it is no longer a monster, but a symbol of transformation and mystical attraction. On the one hand, we want to control the bull, and on the other, we have to let it go. Balance is needed.’


Silt is a fragile concept. Only art can provide permanent enrichment there — Jean Marie Dedecker, mayor Middelkerke

 

Powerful artistic landmark in Middelkerke

 

With Seduction, Middelkerke adds a powerful artistic landmark to its coastline. The work is a bridge between past and future, myth and reality. More unique artworks will follow in 2025, including contributions by Stefaan De Croock, Stanislas Lahaut and Wim Delvoye, further developing Middelkerke as a cultural attraction on the Belgian coast.

 

Mayor Jean-Marie Dedecker speaks enthusiastically about the project: ‘These artworks reflect our ambition to transform Middelkerke into a place where culture and wonder go hand in hand.’

 

Seduction invites wonder. It is an ode to the power of life, the mysteries of transformation and the art of seduction — Koen Vanmechelen, artist

 



General info 


Seduction

Bronze, taxidermy highlander, marble

233 x 98 x 77 cm

© Koen Vanmechelen  


Silt Middelkerke 

Zeedijk 117B

8430 Middelkerke

Belgium




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