Michael Beutler: Flow Motion

This summer, Bozar Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels—launches Bozar Monumental, The BNP Paribas Fortis series. This annual commission restores the Horta Hall to its original function, as conceived by its architect Victor Horta almost a century ago: as a place for sculpture. Each summer, Bozar invites an artist to create a site-specific work that embraces and challenges the scale, materials and history of this monumental space. The first edition is in the hands of Michael Beutler (b. 1976), known for his ingenious architectural installations.

Beutler makes engaging works that trigger the imagination. A natural-born bricoleur, he invents artisanal hand-driven tools that enable him to develop the materials needed for the construction of his structures. Those are usually locally sourced, simple and sustainable materials. Beutler’s work is open and ever-evolving, placing importance on the process—which is visible rather than happening behind closed studio doors—as much as on the finished object.

For Bozar, Beutler has created Flow Motion (2025), a cylindrical floating structure made from wood, bamboo and paper. A rotating gate, it turns with the audience’s help around a central axis in a pool of water. The installation invites the public to linger in the heart of Bozar and experience the space in a playful way. With this hypnotic work, Beutler unsettles the senses, as the different moving elements create the illusion that everything is in flux. The natural light changes constantly, altering the mood of the space and making each experience unique.

In 2026, Bozar has invited Delcy Morelos, known for her immersive installations that often comprise earth and spices. Drawing upon indigenous knowledge from her native Colombia, she creates charged artworks that speak to the senses. Morelos explores connections between traditional building forms in Europe with those in South America, particularly inspired by the constructions made by communities living in the Amazon. For this commission, she is exploring new materials with the Brussels-based architectural practice BC Materials.

For both these temporary, site-specific projects—and for those in the years to follow—Bozar places an emphasis on sustainable ideas and materials. Rather than shipping existing monumental artworks from around the world, we will bring people, ideas and local materials together to create new forms of fragile monumentality, to offer inspiration in our fragile times.

Bozar—including Michael Beutler’s installation—will remain accessible all July and August, from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am–7pm. More info: www.bozar.be/en/spend-your-summer-bozar. Curious to experience it for yourself? Admission to the installation is free, so come along this summer and explore the rotating structure.

Bozar Monumental is curated by Zoë Gray.