Metal Trail

We approached Rik Beuselinck relatively late, only in March 2014. He promised to participate and had a great idea: to create a sculpture that would also be a fountain. Because we were not sure if the city was interested in such a type of sculpture, we had to discuss the idea with its representatives who eventually accepted this unusual idea.

 Rik Beuselinck had taken part in another event in the US shortly before the Metal Symposium, letting disabled people collaborate on his work. Respect for community and social responsibility are present in everything he does. He sent us his proposal, which seemed very attractive to us. It showed an abstract work with many references to the Czech Republic. The rich symbolism of the fountain was a great surprise to us.

 In a short time, he had studied not only facts about the Czech Republic, but had also imprinted his love of music into his work. That is why his work is called “Ode to the Czech Republic”.  It has been installed in front of the Tourist Information Centre in Mladá Boleslav, on Náměstí Míru square. It beautifully complements the area for relaxation in front of the Information Centre.

Symbolism:

A) The vertical load-bearing element symbolises:
• enchanting rockformations in the Bohemian Paradise area
• independence of the Czech and Slovak Republics
• forbidden love from the opera "Káťa Kabanová", inspired by L. Janáček's love for Kamila Stösslová

B) The vertical parts bear the “Sphere” element, which represents:
• the Earth as a symbol of peace for all peoples
• a part of the US territory - in Symphony No. 9, popularly known as “The New World Symphony”,  A. Dvořák was inspired by his impressions of his stay in the USA
• full moon – in the wonderful Dvořák opera "Rusalka", Rusalka melancholically opens her heart to the moon shining over the lake

C) The work is actually a fountain:
• The water symbolises the Vltava River, which is so masterfully depicted in Bedřich Smetana's symphonic poem, “Vltava”.

Find the artwork on GPS 50.4123156N, 14.9060247E

For more information on this artist see:

https://rikbeuselinck.be/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1122185603

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