As part of the famous folk festival Trammelant, local sculptor Maxime Van Besien (“Maximus sculptor”) created this “Cyclist” in straw.
The imposing work of art consists of a tall bi (an old bicycle with a large front wheel and small rear wheel) topped by a belle-époque character and has a total height of 4.5 meters.
The freestanding sculpture consists of a skeleton of metal and wood, covered with chicken wire and straw, and finished with burlap and cord. To make the artwork shine even in the evening hours, subtle lighting powered by solar energy has been integrated.
On display in De Haan until November 2024, the sculpture was designed with full recyclability in mind. The artwork can be recycled up to 100 percent, or the bicycle can be repurposed.
About the artist
'Maximus Sculptor,' born and raised in De Haan and in everyday life Maxime Van Besien, is not his test piece. On the occasion of the Ensor year, he made a large straw sculpture of Ensor's head for the city of Ostend.
He also participated and is participating in many foreign events for which he makes straw and ice sculptures.
