Concept of installation and tour
Based on the natural cycle of water in Belgium
and its particular landscape, between sky and earth
where the horizons mix and merge

The visitor enters the pavilion and is overwhelmed by the installation: a giant ramp covered in sphagnum rises toward the lowering mist, surrounded by larger-than-life photographs of dreamy Belgian landscapes by Christine Felten and Véronique Massinger.

The weather changes continuously over this poetic translation of Belgian landscape: rain, fog and sun chase each other following the pattern of the year 2007 in the frame of 12 minutes.

On a large screen there’s a projection of radar weather maps by the Royal Institute of Meteorology. These maps reflect the weather in the pavilion, and were used as a base to create the simulation.

Once the grand scene has been apprehended, the visitor can slide behind the photographs to discover a path. The path is accompanied by a large wall that contains a complex network representing different aspects of the issue of water in Belgium.

This wall is both a truthful account of the multiple aspects and instances involved with water in Belgium, as well as an abstract cartography relaying the complexity of the issue.

As the visitor follows the path, it discovers a cavern, the underbelly of the sphagnum ramp. Water trickles from the vegetal ceiling into a shallow pond, creating an underground soundscape. Inside the cave is a sculpture by Jan Fabre, “the man who writes on water”, composed of seven bronze basins, one of which containsa sculpture of the artist fully dressed. The visitors walk around the sculpture, the floor moving under their feet.

The last part of the tour focuses on Belgian initiatives within the framework of cooperation for developing countries.

In a few words, the Belgian pavilion will be atmospheric and guide the visitor with emotions and feelings.

Belgian pavilion