Peeking out from the Tentoonstellingslaan the Odyssée Statue stands tall. This copper artwork welcomes drivers entering Brussels. The Odyssée Statue is a creation of Reinhoud d’Haese. He was a representative of the Cobra group.
Reinhoud d’Haese was born in Geraardsbergen in 1928. He sadly passed away in 2007. He was a sculptor, a drawer and an engraver. In 1950, Reinhoud moved into the Marais studio in Brussels. There he encountered members of the Cobra group.
The Cobra movement began in 1948. Artists from Copenhagen Brussels and Amsterdam formed it. They advocated for a return to more aggressive and daring art. Reinhoud became friends with Pierre Alechinsky a great Belgian painter and engraver. In 1957, Reinhoud received the Prize for Young Belgian Sculpture. His career as a sculptor created a beautiful body of work. It featured metal half-animal and half-organic sculptures. They were grotesque and magical in an enchanting universe.
The Odyssée Statue is 4.85 meters high. It officially opened on June 23 2009. Christine Gallez a councilor for Mobility attended. Community members and residents also attended. Brussels Mobility commissioned the project. The Odyssée Statue enhances the Jette entrance to the Brussels Capital Region.
Hervé Doyen the mayor and Pascal Smet a former Brussels Minister were absent. They were taking their oath in the Brussels Parliament. Frédéric Baal an author and Nicole d’Haese the artist’s widow paid tribute to Reinhoud. They thanked the Brussels Capital Region. They had chosen a visionary surrealist work. It would decorate one of the busiest roads in the capital.
The RBC owns the Odyssée Statue. Brussels Mobility manages it. The Odyssée Statue is near the Ballon Tree avenue in Jette. The statue’s creation dates from 2003 to 2007. It opened in 2009.
Interestingly the name Odyssée is inscribed on the statue. The artist’s name Reinhoud is also there. The Odyssée Statue stands as a testament to Reinhoud’s vision. It also represents Brussels’ embrace of daring art. It encourages all to have a bold journey. The Odyssée Statue marks a grand entrance to this city. Its twisted metal and surreal form embody the spirit of Brussels.