‘Kusjes’ 2024
‘Kusjes’
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sculpture Garden in 2024, Beekmans planted a fresh set of ceramic ‘Kusjes’ (Kisses) in its’ lush mossy banks. One would be forgiven for thinking that a new species of fungi had taken over, after all, the Sculpture Garden is home to fantastic and unusual flora from across the globe. However, on closer inspection, visitors are surprised with a field of unique porcelain lips by the Dutch artist.
In 2018, an installation of ‘Kusjes’ was nestled into The Garden and by popular demand, returned for the 2024 season. It encompasses almost two thousand individual ceramic sculptures that form the final installation. Inspired by a sprinkling of spring flowers, ‘Kusjes’ acts as a reminder of the joy nature it can give us; as well as bringing a light and playful sense of humour to the garden.
2026 welcomes a smaller cluster of ‘Kusjes’, evoking fantastical notions of fairy-rings growing from the long-rotted roots surrounding a once-proud tree.
To accompany the installation, individual ‘Kusjes’ are available to purchase from the gallery reception, or through our webstore (click the link below).
A firm favourite of the 2024 exhibition, Dutch sculptor Riëlle Beekman’s fascinating ‘Kusjes’ installation delighted visitors young and old. From afar one would be forgiven for thinking this intriguing installation was a strange species of fungi or flower emerging from the woodland floor, but upon closer inspection the true nature is revealed….in the form of hundreds - thousands - of individual and completely unique ‘kisses’!
Each ‘Kusje’ (kiss in Dutch) is handmade and unique, moulded from hundreds of people’s lips into glazed ceramic. They vary in tone, expression, and stem length.
Each ‘Kusje’ comes with an artist statement & postcard - making them a unique & thoughtful gift.
Who will you give your kiss?
The stems vary between 28cm to 38cm in length, each 💋 is life-size.