With 'Art on the Meuse', Z33 and RLKM are bringing art to the Limburg Meuse Valley. Five artworks will appear in Dilsen-Stokkem, Kinrooi, Lanaken, Maaseik and Maasmechelen. read more
Adrien Tirtiaux presents design in Maaseik
In Maaseik, a new work of art will soon emerge that refers to three church towers in the area. The work by Belgian artist Adrien Tirtiaux, bridges Maaseik’s past and future, between the city center and the river. After Mark Dion’s “Tree of Life” in Herbricht and Laure Prouvost’s upcoming work for Kinrooi, “Echoes of a Landscape” is the next work for Kunst aan de Maas.
Trained as an architect and sculptor, Tirtiaux has extensive experience in integrating works of art into public spaces. With “Echoes of a Landscape,” he brings together the best of architecture and art in his work for the city of Maaseik.
Echoes of Maaseik
Tirtiaux was inspired by historical landmarks in the landscape of the Meuse River. With his artwork, he refers to three distinctive church towers in the landscape: the St. Anne’s Church in Aldeneik, the St. Catherine’s Church in the center of Maaseik and the St. Jacob de Meerderekerk in Roosteren (NL). By giving each of the three volumes in the artwork a different function, ranging from a viewing platform to a megaphone, visitors are invited to look through it, call out or stand on it. The materials used, such as bricks and gravel, are also typical of the Meuse Valley.
“Each tower in the artwork has a specific function: a brick tower symbolizes the robustness and heritage of the region, a tower as a megaphone facing the Netherlands emphasizes the historical connection and cooperation across the border, and a tower with an occulus faces the sky,” said Tirtiaux, who today unveiled the maquette for ‘Echoes of a Landscape’ at the future site of the artwork.
The location
The location for the artwork, on the Klauwenhofweg between the Meuse River and the Heerenlaakplas, was carefully chosen, in part because of the view of the three church towers mentioned. This spot, within walking distance of the city center, connects urban life with the natural beauty of the Meuse. The artwork serves as a new destination on the river, offering residents and visitors alike a place of interaction and reflection.
Mayor Tollenaere and alderman for culture and tourism Giebens unveiled the model together with the artist: “We are looking forward to this additional asset for the city. For residents and visitors it will be an anchorage on our banks of the Meuse, and that barely 1.5km from the Market Square. It refers to Maaseik’s rich history, but equally focuses on Maaseik’s future in the cross-border Maasvallei River Park.”
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