VERZOENING

VERZOENING (GISLEEN HEIRBAUT)

At first glance, the sculpture appears to be an abstract composition, made from a single marble block. Following the example of Brancusi, the sculptor succeeds in creating a strong work of art by leaving out details and preserving the pure form.  The harmonious composition of weighed up solid and hollow parts is striking.  However, the vertical shapes appear to have a meaning: two figures,  one slightly larger than the other, a  man and a woman. They face each other.  The pedestal keeps them close together. The statue symbolises togetherness, or even reconciliation.

HEIRBAUT Gisleen

Sculptor, painter. Born in Sint-Niklaas, January 21, 1923 and died June 17, 1999.

From 1937 Gisleen Heirbaut followed the evening and weekend courses at the Academy in Sint-Niklaas: drawing, modelling and painting. In 1943 he won the first prize in each of the training groups mentioned above.  He was also awarded the 'Prize Jozef Horenbant' of the Municipal Academy for nature painting.

He first works as a stonemason. From 1961 onwards and usually in collaboration with a befriended graphic artist or painter, he showcases his sculptures, the expression of his personal inspiration and creativity. Gisleen Heirbaut pretty soon evolves from stylised figurative statues to a pure, abstract style, in which geometrical design prevails.

Throughout all the years of sculpture, Gisleen Heirbaut also continued to make drawings. Herein the transition to abstraction proceeded much more slowly and was not fully implemented. The extensive use of shades of grey result in a tenderness and  a great sensitivity in his drawings.  A third facet of his activity, the watercolour, with strong  colour schemes, is less widely known.

Kunst in de Stad, November 06^th 1993