Perched high on a steel pedestal two bronze creatures gaze upon the world. These are the Ames Oiseaux. Half-human half-bird they are a captivating sight. The Ames Oiseaux are decorative statues created in 1998. They stand proudly in Watermael-Boitsfort a municipality in the Brussels-Capital Region.
The Ames Oiseaux are the work of Jephan de Villiers a French sculptor born in 1940. De Villiers moved to Watermael-Boitsfort in 1977. He was inspired by the nearby Sonian Forest. He uses natural materials like leaves and feathers. He crafts them into his imaginary people the people of Arbonie. The Ames Oiseaux are unique. They are large-scale versions of his usual miniature figures. This is a departure for the artist. He usually uses fragile materials. For the Ames Oiseaux he used durable bronze.
The Watermael-Boitsfort municipality commissioned the Ames Oiseaux. They financed the creation and installation. De Villiers generously gifted his artistic creation to the community. The sculptures stand at the Avenue Georges Benoidt. They are located where the street splits into two.
Imagine yourself standing before the Ames Oiseaux. Notice the detail in their bronze bodies. Their wide eyes seem to follow your every movement. They are a striking reminder of the intersection of nature and urban life. The Ames Oiseaux stand in a green residential area. Yet they embody a timeless connection with the natural world. This artistic contribution enhances the area’s beauty. It is a lasting tribute to the imagination and skill of Jephan de Villiers. The Ames Oiseaux are a testament to his artistry. They also symbolize the harmonious blend of nature and urban life in Brussels.