Ciel et Terre – Hemel en aarde Sculpture

Liliane Vertessen’s Ciel et Terre – Hemel en aarde Sculpture. A metallic enigma. It sits here, along the bustling Koning Albert II-laan. This avenue stretches from the Emile Jacqmainlaan, connecting the small ring road to the Helihavenlaan. The Ciel et Terre – Hemel en aarde Sculpture is part of a collection of artworks gracing the central reservations. The avenue itself was originally called the Verlengde Emile Jacqmainlaan. It was renamed in 1999 after King Albert II following renovations. The landscaping, designed by Jacques Wirtz between 1995 and 1997, provides a fitting backdrop for Vertessen’s creation. The Ciel et Terre – Hemel en aarde Sculpture is a fascinating study in perspective. From the front, it resembles the cockpit of a landing airplane, a clear nod to the “ciel” or sky. A side view reveals a stiletto heel firmly planted in the ground. This “aarde” or earth connection has been interpreted as a tribute to the women of the Noordwijk district. Yet, from the back, the sculpture transforms into a purely abstract form. Commissioned by the Flemish Community and WTC nv, the Ciel et Terre – Hemel en aarde Sculpture is now managed by the Brussels-Capital Region. A plaque on the sculpture reads “”Hemel en aarde”” “”Ciel et terre”” Liliane Vertessen 1997. It stands an impressive 650 cm high, 500 cm wide, and 208 cm deep. This striking piece truly captures the essence of its name, blending the celestial and terrestrial in a unique artistic expression.