A pentagonal wheel. That’s the first thing you notice about the Chais’Art Pentagone sculpture. It’s not round. It’s a pentagon. This striking 3.5-meter-high artwork stands proudly in Brussels’ city center.
The Chais’Art Pentagone is more than just an eye-catching sculpture. It’s a powerful statement about accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. It’s the fourth in a series of Chais’Art sculptures created by Autonomia asbl. This project aims to place a unique sculpture in each of Brussels’ 19 municipalities. The goal is to highlight disability and promote inclusion empathy and accessibility.
The pentagonal shape of the wheel is symbolic. It reflects the shape of Brussels itself. It represents the challenges faced by people with disabilities navigating a city not always designed for everyone. Yet the sculpture isn’t just about challenges. The figure’s posture is strong. It’s a defiant and conquering pose. The sculpture offers hope and represents a city striving for accessibility for all.
The Chais’Art Pentagone wouldn’t exist without collaboration. The Brussels municipality CAP48 and Equal.brussel all played a vital role. The sculpture was created by a team of three artists: Clèon Angelo Benedicte Gastout and Eric Mercenier. Their collaboration brought together artistic vision and skilled craftsmanship. The inauguration took place on December 3rd 2022. This was International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This wasn’t just a simple unveiling. The event was attended by key figures. These included the mayor of Brussels Philippe Close the Minister of Equal Opportunities Frederic Daerden. Also present was federal minister Karine Lalieux and the alderwoman for equal opportunities Lydia Mutyebele. Their presence underscored the importance of this project.
Look closely at the details. Notice the strength in the figure’s stance. Feel the weight of the message. The Chais’Art Pentagone stands as a symbol of hope. It is a testament to a city committed to building a truly inclusive future for everyone. It’s a powerful reminder that challenges can be overcome. It’s a sculpture that invites us to reflect on accessibility and what it means to create a city for all. A city where everyone can roll.