Op Zoek Naar Utopia, Bronze sculpture in Nieuwpoort, Belgium
Op Zoek Naar Utopia is a bronze sculpture on the Belgian coast featuring a mounted figure atop a giant turtle, standing about 3 meters (10 feet) high and 7 meters (23 feet) long. The artwork sits within the Beaufort Sculpture Park, creating a distinctive presence in the coastal landscape.
The artwork was created in 2003 by Belgian artist Jan Fabre and was part of the Beaufort Sculpture Park from the beginning. Its installation required specialized technical expertise and coordination among multiple companies to bring this massive bronze work to its coastal location.
The turtle carrying a rider symbolizes the search for a better place, inviting visitors to think about their own dreams and aspirations. The figure speaks to universal feelings of hope and the desire to discover something new.
The sculpture sits directly on the coast and is easily reached on foot from the village, especially if you follow the sculpture park trail. Since the artwork faces constant weather exposure, it is best visited during fair weather when details are more visible.
The title "Op Zoek Naar Utopia" literally means "Looking for Utopia" and reflects the artist's philosophy of exploring boundless possibilities. The involvement of nine specialized companies in bringing this vision to life shows how technically demanding it was to realize this massive bronze work.
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