A new artistic project was inaugurated in front of the European Parliament building in Brussels on Wednesday that aims to provoke conversation and highlight core European values.
With Belgium now taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it was two Belgian artists who created the first work of The Artists' Parliament. The work – titled L'Aire d'un Souffle (The space of a breath) – is a collaboration between renowned Belgian artists Ann Veronica Janssens and Michel François. The duo already represented Belgium at the 1999 Venice Biennale and exhibit around the world.
Gathered on the Esplanade Solidarność, used by thousands of EU staff and visitors every year, a number of officials attended the opening on a freezing but bright morning. Speaking on behalf of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (who was unable to attend), Vice-President Rainer Wieland explained the ambition to highlight the work of prominent artists from each Member State that holds the rotating Council presidency. This will mean a bi-annual exhibition.
The work itself perhaps expressed better than words the capacity for art to address delicate political issues. At a time when migration is front and centre of discussions in Europe, L'Aire d'un Souffle is a striking metal fence that stretches across the walkway, rendered in a shiny silver and with an eye-catching hole seemingly blown through the centre. In front, a grid of concrete breeze blocks completes the visual metaphor.
L’Aire d’un Souffle – an unmissable installation at the heart of the EU institutions. Credit: European Parliament
Whilst the work has been described by curators as "a piece of art that inherently eludes any overly literal interpretation", it is difficult not to see it as a statement on human flows into the continent – which has already been a pivotal topic in elections and will likely influence voters during this major year for European politics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Belgian Minister of Pensions and Social Integration Karine Lalieux said the work "symbolizes the capacity of art to transcend borders to spark debates". She added that The Artists' Parliament project shows how "art as a vehicle for mutual dialogue and comprehension".
The minister said that the work "represents a call to action and serves as a reminder of the EU values we hold dear: freedom, democracy, solidarity, and humanity... [Belgium's] aim is to build a Europe that is more united, more inclusive, and more resilient. This work is the reflection of this ambition."
The piece is on display for the duration of Belgium's Presidency. In July 2024 Hungary will take over the Presidency.
