Steiger

20260904-20260920

Bruges, Reienfestival.
019-Ghent project STEIGER with partner Waterland vzw.

STEIGER is an artistic intervention along the Coupure, near Predikherenbrug, in Bruges. A temporary structure slopes gradually down from the quay towards the surface of the water. It brings visitors to a level that is rarely accessible within the city. The jetty is anchored in a fixed position, making fluctuations in the water level of Bruges’ canals visible. A small boat is moored at its foot.

Three artworks are integrated into the water. At the centre floats a chrome-plated work by Joëlle Tuerlinckx, reflecting the façades, the sky and passers-by. Along the quay, Willem Boel’s tipping wheelbarrows repeatedly pour water back into the canal. Zoro Feigl’s Hydra is installed beneath the surface. Parts of the work break through the water at irregular moments before disappearing again.

Each of the three works uses water differently: as a support, a material or an environment. They invite visitors to look at the water and the city from the jetty.

At various moments, artist Peter Aers invites residents and visitors to join him on the water in the small boat. During these journeys, they discuss the role of water in their everyday environment. Their position on the water and the three artworks provide the starting point for these conversations.

STEIGER examines how a physical change of position can also change the way we look at the city. Rather than simply adding an object to the cityscape, the project brings visitors closer to the water and makes the relationship between Bruges and its canals directly perceptible.

Extra thx at Tomas Lootens!
Pictures: Lars Duchateau.