Standing Man at the Middelheim Museum

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Rik Poot was a Flemish artist born in Vilvoorde on March 20, 1924. He passed away in Jette on December 16, 2006. As a skilled sculptor and metalworker, Poot primarily focused on creating bronze sculptures and assemblages that showcased his craftsmanship. "Without skill, you cannot create art," Poot once said. "An artist is a craftsman who works with their hands. Even if you have the most creative mind, if you can't bring it to life, then you're nothing." He emphasized the importance of manual skills in creating art, comparing an artist without hands to a pianist without fingers or an actor without a voice. Poot's early work featured clipped leg human and animal figures in various materials. He later transitioned to terracotta and developed a strong style that incorporated references to Oriental and African cultural products. In 1952, he began creating monumental sculptures, including the iconic mice at St. Lambertus church. From 1963 onward, Poot exclusively used lost wax casting, a technique where he built up fragmented compositions from modeled and joined plates. His masterpiece, Naiad in the pond of the castle of the Dukes of Brabant, is an excellent example of this style. Poot's fascination with natural forms and textures is evident throughout his work. He also expressed a sense of turmoil and disorder, reminiscent of Pablo Gargallo and Ossip Zadkine. Each piece is a snapshot of a strong but stabilized emotion, showcasing Poot's unique perspective on the world. As a sculptor, Poot loved the act of creating something with his hands. He increased the matter game by applying patina and machining the surface with chisels. His use of cavities between bronze parts gave his images a sense of lightness and fragility, resulting in powerful and expressive rhythms. Despite the common deformations found in his figures, Poot's style remained recognizable throughout his career. He was known for classic modernism with great compassion that appealed to the public. Bronze was an essential theme in his work, as seen in the iconic horse on Heroes' Square, which symbolizes Vilvoorde and its inhabitants. Poot's legacy extends beyond his art; he continued to support those in need throughout his life. His work "Struggle for Labour," an eight-meter-high steel fist, stands as a testament to his solidarity with the people of Vilvoorde after the Renault factory closure. He also immortalized politicians and writers in busts, such as Jean-Luc Dehaene, Leo Tindemans, and Marnix Gijsen. As a craftsman, Poot spent his entire life beitelend and modeling in his studio. He lamented the decline of traditional knowledge in contemporary art, opposing trends like pop art and conceptual art that he saw as superficial. Despite this, he remained faithful to a style rooted in expressionism and cubism from the early 20th century. Poot admired the anonymous medieval sculptors who built cathedrals, recognizing their craftsmanship and dedication to their craft. His legacy continues through "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative that aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for free public access.