Ephemeral floral installation with 10,000 gerberas placed on the tubes of the ‘Growth’ sculpture (see Achievements). The flowers were supplied by the Royal Union of Belgian Florists.

The meaning of the floral installation: ‘Croissance fleurie?

This floral installation can be read on three levels simultaneously.

In the context of the start of the academic year, the flowers provide a joyful and colourful welcome to students in their new year. They also inaugurate the ‘Growth’ sculpture, which was never seen by the students because it was installed just before the lockdown.

In the context of the pandemic and, in particular, the crisis in the cultural and events sector, bringing the ‘Growth’ sculpture into bloom is a tribute to this sector, as the sculpture owes its existence to the ‘Brussels Free Culture Festival’, which was itself cancelled and of which it is the only vestige.

In the broader context of ecology, the floral installation embodies the fragility and beauty of nature. The ephemeral life of flowers is contrasted with metal and plastic, which stand the test of time. The floral installation will evolve, fade and wither. This degradation of nature is put into perspective with economic growth, raising the question of whether growth with flowers is possible?