Book Launch: Vrijzinnige beelden

On 18 November, deMens.nu and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) unveiled the book Vrijzinnige beelden at U-Residence. The book highlights the humanist sculpture park on the VUB campus and is the second publication in the Art & Humanism series. With its playful design, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in the ideas behind the sculptures at the Etterbeek campus.

Raymond Verdyck, chair of deMens.nu, addressed the audience, stating: "It is no surprise that the VUB sculpture park was chosen for this publication. Our free-thinking humanist community and the VUB share the same values." Both institutions champion the full development of the individual. "Freedom and freedom of thought are fundamental to this," he added. Located on the VUB's main campus in Etterbeek, the Humanist Sculpture Park features 14 sculptures that enhance the green, open spaces of the university grounds. "These sculptures are physical manifestations of the free-thinking humanist philosophy."

Special thanks were given to Professor of Andragogy Free De Backer for her vital role in bringing the book to fruition. She remarked: "The presence of art on campus allows students and lecturers to learn to observe and engage their senses, within the framework of their own theoretical knowledge, which provides direction."

"Over the years, a university sculpture collection emerged with a distinctly humanist angle"

The collection of outdoor sculptures continues to grow, thanks to the initiative and expertise of Professor Emeritus Willem Elias. Throughout his career at the VUB, Elias worked to introduce more art to the campus, resulting in a university sculpture collection with a distinctly humanist perspective. The artists featured in the Humanist Sculpture Park are not only prominent names in the Belgian art scene but are also considered true freethinkers. For instance, Philippe de Aguire's Monument of Solace symbolises human compassion, offering a place of retreat during times of adversity, loss, or grief. Meanwhile, Johan Tahon's towering figure, Eros/Eroos, represents love and physical desire, with the artist hoping it inspires new friendships to blossom at its base. Each artwork reflects principles such as free inquiry, secularism, science, democracy, friendship, and compassion. In his speech, Elias called for greater inclusion of works by female artists in the sculpture park in the future.

In addition to a detailed discussion of all the sculptures on campus, the book features a tribute to the Braem Building. This section was authored by Professor Emeritus of Art History Jeanine Lambrecht and guest professor of architecture Charlotte Nys, who was involved in the building's renovation. "Braem designed the building as though it were a sculpture. It can therefore be regarded as the first sculpture, the monumental 'mother sculpture,' of the VUB sculpture park."

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