This autumn/winter, the WILTCHER'S welcomes the iconic French artist, Michel BASSOMPIERRE, and his monumental sculptures and the renowned photographer Yann ARTHUS-BERTRAND and his film "Living"
True to what has become a tradition, but above all a desire to blend art and luxury, culture and events in the heart of Europe's capital, the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Brussels Hotel, in partnership with the Galerie Estades Paris, is hosting the monumental animal creations of sculptor Michel BASSOMPIERRE.
From 4 October until the end of January 2024, several iconic animal sculptures by Michel BASSOMPIERRE will be displayed in the inner courtyard of the Wiltcher's complex on Avenue Louise. This luxurious neighbourhood and hotel, known for its prestigious artworks, is the perfect place to host this artist and his works, which are renowned far beyond France.
After Paris and before Monaco and New York, it is in the heart of the European capital that an exclusive exhibition of polar bears and giant gorillas will be showcased at the Wiltcher's Hotel over the next four months.
Another prominent guest, the renowned Belgian cartoonist, Philippe GELUCK, creator of Belgium's most famous cat, will be the exhibition's patron!
When Art Raises Awareness and Defends the Planet
An open-air exhibition that raises awareness in a gentle and subtle way, as artistic as it is aesthetic, provoking both enquiry and wonder about the beauty, even the intimacy, of these animals that are genuinely in peril. It is also a way to highlight the engaged commitment of this artist to the defense of the environment and the preservation of our planet's wildlife and flora, which are so severely threatened.
Michel BASSOMPIERRE and his friend, the photographer Yann ARTHUS-BERTRAND, are two of today's true ambassadors of the environmental cause. Their respective arts are already effectively serving their joint message.
A Creation-Conference-Meeting on Yann ARTHUS-BERTRAND's film Living
On 29 November, at 6pm, the Wiltcher's will present Living, the latest documentary film by Yann ARTHUS-BERTRAND. In his presence, and during the film screening, Michel BASSOMPIERRE will create a sculpture live. A conference and meeting will follow, during which the photographer and sculptor will engage with the audience. Attendees are invited to reserve their seats (for free) as early as possible as there certainly won't be enough seats for everyone!
Presentation of the artist Michel BASSOMPIERRE, an internationally renowned French sculptor
'Michel BASSOMPIERRE has been making a name for himself in animal sculpture since the late seventies. Having received numerous awards that highlight the uniqueness of his work, he has approached this discipline with a distinctly contemporary perspective.
With his perfectly mastered anatomy and drawing, the work portrays an animality that is no longer hostile but peaceful and benevolent. He discards the anecdotal to focus on the essential: pure form, delicate curves, and enveloping light that accentuates the roundness of the masses, exuding tenderness and poetry. Bronze or marble polar bears, gorillas, horses or Asian elephants seem to, in complete tranquility, provide us with privileged access to the intimacy of their lives.'
(Excerpt from the press kit - Full press kit & visuals available upon request - c/o Backstage Communication*)
Question to Norman MARK, General Manager of Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Brussels:
Is the Wiltcher's also committed to ecology?
"It is essential for a modern hotel to be proactive, to be an agent of change that is as adaptable as possible to the hospitality industry. After being audited on all aspects relating to ecology, we obtained the ISO 14001 and 50001 certifications. And this exhibition focuses on all these ecological aspects. This is a vision I have for all the hotels where I work. A hotel is a meeting place where people can be inspired, discover, see, and exchange ideas, whether in the field of art, fashion or design. This project, with its exhibition, conference-meeting, screening of the film on ecology and the discussions it will generate, will be a holistic experience. An experience that, I hope, everyone who comes to see these monumental works at the Wiltcher's will remember. And so, both the artists and the Wiltcher's will remain in people's memories... and the guests who experience this special event will keep coming back!"
Practical info:
Exhibition - open to everyone (free admission) - from 4 October 2023 to the end of January 2024
Exhibition Opening: 3 October 2023 - 6–10pm (by invitation)
Conference-Meeting with Yann ARTHUS-BERTRAND & Michel BASSOMPIERRE: 29 November at 6pm
Exhibition & conference information: www.wiltchers.com and www.bassompierre.fr/bruxelles2023
Press kit & visuals for Michel BASSOMPIERRE available upon request*
Address:
Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Brussels
Avenue Louise, 71 - 1050 Brussels - T +32 (0) 542 42 42 - www.wiltchers.com
*Contacts Presse : BACKSTAGE COMMUNICATION
Veronique Bourgeois
Olivier Duquaine