Ann Veronica Janssens | The Artist’s Parliament
Ann Veronica Janssens and Michel François, L'Aire d'un Souffle, argex concrete and aluminum, approximate dimensions 2030 x 640 x 430 cm. Photo credit: Isabelle Arthuis.
The sculpture L’Aire d’un Souffle (‘The space of a breath’) is the work of two artists. This piece of art takes the form of a completely openwork visual barrier, meaning that we are able to see through and beyond its porous boundary. This grid, through which we can observe the surrounding urban landscape, forms a kind of insurmountable obstacle, a border that can be interpreted in different ways. We can only cross it with our eyes, which are symbolically confronted with the sight of a blast, the origin of which is also open to interpretation.
This grid is perched on a territory of its own; a raised platform separate from the ground of the Esplanade, which invites the public to step up onto it and thus alter their perspective. Our attention is also drawn to this floor that supports and prolongs the grid, as its horizontal grid-like pattern is suddenly interrupted by a long narrow gap. This defined area becomes a space in itself, a field of action in which the public can move around, experiment and interact.
The Office of the Commissioner for Europe and International Organizations and the European Parliament have launched an exhibition project showcasing contemporary artists of the countries holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
This project will start during the Belgian presidency in January 2024 and continue in July 2024 with the Hungarian presidency.