Daniel Dewar & Grégory Gicquel

They drew inspiration from the vibrant neighborhood, with its many different shops and diverse offerings. Along with the sculpture by Panamarenko at Sint-Jansplein, it forms a new artistic landmark for the Antwerp North district.

Three objects have been carved from a single block of pink granite: a courgette, a sewing machine, and a shoe. It’s as if they had always been hidden within the stone and have now been revealed. They are recognizable and part of everyday life, yet at the same time slightly mysterious and playful. By placing ordinary objects at the heart of this sculpture, the artists humorously comment on classical art.

The artwork does not stand on a pedestal but is placed directly on the ground, among the people. It invites passersby to experience it differently – by touching it and admiring it up close –  without the need for text or explanation. In a neighborhood where many languages are spoken, the sculpture transcends language barriers and can spark new conversations.

Granite rock with courgette, sewing machine and tassel loafer shoe was commissioned by the district of Antwerp, with guidance from Antwerp Public Art Collection – Middelheim Museum.

About the artists

Artists Daniel Dewar (°1976, UK) & Grégory Gicquel (°1975, FR) have been working together since their student days. Since 1998, they have been bridging the gap between art history and craftsmanship. They draw inspiration from classical sculpture and traditional techniques such as stone carving and apply these in surprising ways. Using wood, ceramics, stone or textile, they capture our contemporary visual culture and thus offer a unique perspective on today's world.