Mixing animal skins, hair, wax and wood, Berlinde De Bruyckere explores distortions of organic forms. The vulnerability and fragility of humanity, tortured body—both human and animal—and the power of nature are some of the central themes of De Bruyckere’s oeuvre. The artist is the subject of an exhibition at the stunning property of Peyrassol, presented in partnership with Galerie Continua.

By examining the relationship with the history of the amazing Commanderie Peyrassol, its history and site, Berlinde de Bruyckere found natural resonances with her work and the subjects that have led her practice as a contemporary artist.

The protection of pilgrims on their journeys to Jerusalem is a powerful metaphor that kept the artist fascinated as she conceived this recent exhibition. A personification of the burden with which all humanity seems to struggle, the archangel is for Berlinde de Bruyckere a complex figure associated with notions of protection and hope.

The tension between love and suffering, danger and protection, life and death and the human need for understanding are the universal themes De Bruyckere has been dealing with since the beginning of her career. ‘I want to show how helpless a body can be,’ De Bruyckere has said. “Which is nothing you have to be afraid of—it can be something beautiful.”

“The Commanderie de Peyrassol inspires me enormously,” explained De Bruyckere. “When I visited it, I immediately visualized an Arcangelo in the middle of the vineyards, much larger than those I’ve created to date. I like the idea of visitors glimpsing it in the distance, unable to identify whether it’s an ancient sculpture. Traditionally, statues mounted on large columns represent heroes. Mine are the opposite: it’s the human condition that interests me, all the more so in the world we live in. Perhaps now, more than ever, is the time for artists to open dialogues. The Commanderie de Peyrassol raises these questions. Walking through this marvelous natural setting, encountering the works of art that inhabit it, allows for this intellectual and emotional journey. I see this approach as a pilgrimage, especially to this Arcangelo, which will live to the rhythm of the seasons.”

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