After Paris, Bordeaux, Caen, Geneva, Monaco and Montreux, and before New York, the giant statues of the Cat by Philippe Geluck have settled in Brussels. Imposing sculptures of three meters high and more than 2500 kg, which make you laugh but also think. These statues of the Cat will be visible in the Royal Park of Brussels until June 30, 2023.
Alongside these statues that have already traveled, others will arrive. Indeed, the City of Andenne has ordered a unique copy, as has the Brussels Parliament, which will pay 370,000 euros for the purchase of the bronze. The purpose of the sale of these works is to “constitute a kitty for the future museum of Cats and cartoons”, as Philippe Geluck reminded us. The purchase of the Brussels Parliament is therefore totally “in support of this museum”.
But these expenses do not pass with some. In the artistic world in particular, we are surprised by this “additional gift to Philippe Geluck”, a big name who “tends to make the rest of Brussels creation invisible”.
All institutions buy art and have collections
The designer admits not understanding these controversies. “It was the Brussels Parliament that came to find me, telling me that they would like to buy a sculpture from me. Which artist would refuse?” asks the Cat’s dad.
“All institutions buy art and have collections,” he also recalls. “Here, the majority and the opposition voted unanimously for the purchase of this sculpture. And the budget was clear, since it is the market price”.
After the controversy around the Cat Museum, does this new controversy affect Philippe Geluck. “Honestly, no,” he concedes. “Actually, I don’t quite understand. I would like to meet the people who oppose the project and have them explain to me what they blame me for and what I did wrong”.