An impressive sculpture by Belgian artist William Roobrouck has been installed on a roundabout in the Belgian seaside town of Knokke-Heist. Known as ‘Proud’, the sculpture features the stylised profile of a woman. “It’s based on a real person,” notes Roobrouck. “She is a woman from Macedonia and symbolises beauty, as well as the pride to be here in Knokke-Heist.”
The sculpture was installed in February 2020. A formal unveiling of the installation, planned for the spring, had to be abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
William Roobrouck began working with steel at a very young age. “I was inspired by my grandfather. He was passionate about working with steel and being creative. I was exposed to that at a very young age and worked with him during the school holidays until I was 17.”
Now a full-time artist and sculptor, Roobrouck is inspired by nature. His creative process is very spontaneous as he explains: “I don’t sit at a table drawing plans. It begins with an idea which is usually a reaction to my thoughts, feelings, or nature. From that idea I create a digital model and then 3D print it. That gives me a visual form of the work which I use to create the life-sized version.”
‘Proud’ was installed at a roundabout on the A11 in Knokke-Heist during February 2020
Proud dominates the flat coastal landscape
Sculptor William Roobrouck was actively involved in the installation of Proud
The final piece of the sculpture is lifted into place
Proud is formed from Indaten® weathering steel supplied by ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products
Over time, the patina of the Indaten® weathering steel develops to become a rich orange/brown
Indaten® is a structural steel with excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, thanks to its protective and adhesive patina which evolves with time and the effects of the environment. Over time, the steel surface develops a beautiful purplish brown patina which acts as a protective armour for the steel.
More info: industry.arcelormittal.com/indatenweatheringsteel
Roobrouck works mainly with Indaten® weathering steel from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products. “The finish of Indaten® is beautiful,” says William Roobrouck. “Over time it develops an orange/brown patina which protects the steel from corrosion. It’s very organic.”
Sculptor William Roobrouck in front of Proud
View the video of the installation of Proud & the interview with the artist (in Dutch) hereMore info: www.williams-art-design.com
Copyright images: marijkethoen.photography & William Roobrouck