The strength of a sculpture is largely determined by the way it relates to its surroundings. This is especially true for works shown in the open air: in a garden, on a terrace, in a patio, on a balcony or in another outdoor space. An outdoor sculpture lives amid light, changing seasons, architecture, and the movement of the people who encounter it. It evolves with its surroundings and with time, inviting us to look differently at what we had come to take for granted.
With this online exhibition, Coppejans Gallery brings together eight artists who each, in their own way, explore the relationship between sculpture, landscape, body, space and time. Some works are monumental and distinctly present, others are more fragile, restrained or quiet. Yet they share a common strength: they create a moment of slowing down, reflection and attention in a world that is constantly accelerating.
Most sculptures can be viewed at the artists’ studios or in the public space.
For inquiries or additional information, please contact [email protected] or +32 486 20 27 78.
How to choose a sculpture for your outdoor space?
A sculpture can structure a garden, terrace, patio of balcony, create an architectural focal point, spark a conversation, or even define the character of an entire outdoor space. Unlike many decorative objects, a work of art often gains meaning over time. It becomes a part of that place as well as of the memories created there. In this way, a unique dialogue emerges between art, nature, and the people who live with it.
Even a small garden, patio, courtyard, roof terrace of balcony can be completely transformed by the addition of a carefully chosen sculpture. While planting primarily brings colour, rhythm and atmosphere, an artwork adds an extra layer of meaning, character, and personality.
1. Choose interaction rather than decoration. A sculpture is not merely decoration; it is a daily encounter. The strongest works continue to fascinate because they raise questions, evoke memories, or reveal new interpretations each time.
2. Use art to give space a destination. A sculpture can mark the end of a pathway, anchor a terrace, give character to a patio or give significance to an unexpected corner in an outdoor space. In doing so, it transforms the garden into a place waiting to be discovered.
3. Think beyond the garden of today A garden is constantly changing. Trees grow, sightlines shift, and planting becomes more abundant over the years. A well-chosen sculpture grows with its surroundings and remains a strong visual and meaningful anchor point in the long term. Those who invest in a high-quality and carefully considered work of art often see that not only its meaning, but also its value, continues to develop over time.
4. Embrace the seasons While flowers come and go, a sculpture remains present. Rain, mist, snow, sunlight and shadow, each give a work a different character, allowing it to reveal new aspects of itself throughout the year.
5. Dare to think bigger Many collectors start with smaller formats and only later choose larger sculptures. Sometimes it is better to start with a substantial piece and add smaller accents later. Outdoor spaces require more scale than interiors for a sculpture to fully assert its presence. In many situations, larger works are best placed close to the house, while smaller pieces can create discoveries deeper within the garden. A sculpture that remains equally compelling from a distance as it is up close possesses a truly monumental quality.