Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Preview image of work. mixed media, Huis 41491

2020.55.2

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Huis

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Artist

Berlinde De Bruyckere (Ghent, Belgium, 1964 – )

Title

Huis

Creation Date

1991

Century

late 20th century

Dimensions

43 x 42 1/2 x 27 1/2 in. (109.22 x 107.95 x 69.85 cm)

Classification

Sculpture

Creation Place

Europe, Belgium

Medium and Support

mixed media

Credit Line

Gift, Tony Podesta Collection, Washington, DC

Copyright

This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s Copyright Terms and Conditions.

Accession Number

2020.55.2

Berlinde de Bruyckere examines aspects of mortality and fragility in her work. Her sculptures—often made with textiles, animal skins, and wax casts—explore the multiple meanings that a material or subject can evoke. Huis, like other works made early in her career, uses blankets as her medium. The repeated use of this material was inspired by documentary images of refugees of the Rwandan Civil War often seen carrying blankets. For de Bruyckere, blankets became synonymous with protection and warmth, but also vulnerability and fear. Huis, meaning “home,” replicates this idea of shelter and security through the mesh-covered blankets, woven around a cube-like structure. Textiles, however, are extremely vulnerable materials—which causes one to question how effective blankets could be as a means of protection. Huis thus brings the tension between security and vulnerability to bear without providing any resolution for the viewer.

Additional Media

front