1/24 x 23 x 22 x ... x 1

1970

Bert De Leeuw

This sculpture consists of four separate cubic shapes. They can stand on top of each other in a different order, and also rotate on their axes. Hence, the artwork can take on many forms.

The image shows an abstract, sculptural artwork, approximately three meters tall, made of a dark gray to brownish material. The sculpture stands vertically, consisting of multiple stacked, irregular geometric shapes that appear to interlock. The shapes are somewhat uneven and undulating on the sides, creating a dynamic, almost organic texture. There are no clear figurative elements; the emphasis is on the abstract composition of forms and shadows. The sculpture rests on a low, square base. The artwork is situated in a wooded environment; the ground is covered with brown leaves, and low shrubs surround it. In the background, tall trees with green leaves are visible. Light falls from above, creating soft shadows on the sculpture's surface.

Details

Plan number: B45
Zone: Motion
Title: 1/24 x 23 x 22 x ... x 1
Creator: Bert De Leeuw
Date: 1970
Material: bronze
Acquisition: donation by verzekeringsgroep Apra, 1975
Object number: MID.B.323

The four cubes belong to a group of 24 different cubic shapes. The title refers to the number of possible combinations: 620,448,401,733,239,439,360,000. However, it was not the intention to display all the parts together: Bert De Leeuw wanted to encourage communication between people by spreading the cubes across different locations. He found it striking how on the one hand the possibilities for communication are constantly growing, while on the other, people are becoming more and more isolated.

Other parts of the group can be found in the gardens of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Provinciehuis here in Antwerp.

“1/24 x 23 x 22 x ... x 1” is a work of art that can continue to renew itself in a gigantic number of possibilities. Moreover, with the totem pole motif, De Leeuw appropriates a form that for many cultures symbolizes the connection and communication between the earthly and the otherworldly, between the living and the dead.

Belgian artist Bert De Leeuw became known for his material paintings. In 1963, he created his first reliefs, and from 1965 he concentrated mainly on sculpture, preferably in bronze. Because of their hollows and bulges, the play of light and shadow is a striking element in his abstract sculptures.

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