Takdrager

“Branch Bearer” is an existing sculpture for which Koba De Meutter sought a suitable, slow-growing tree. She found one just outside the museum’s official grounds. Between the sculpture and the tree are layers of rubber that protect the bark. “Branch Bearer” can also be opened to grow with the tree.

“Branch Bearer” brings to mind the many artifices employed in wildlife management to make wilderness look like wilderness. One example is the technique of grafting, in which a weak branch is placed on a strong trunk to improve trees.

Contemporary Belgian artist Koba De Meutter works with found materials, functional objects, architectural elements, and sculptures. Sometimes she also invites people to participate by using objects in unusual ways. The unexpected pairings create new meanings.