Frank Bruggeman

ecology - installation - nature - public space - sculpture

The work of visual artist Frank Bruggeman originates from his fascination for plant nature. In his objects and installations he examines the dividing line between vegetable culture and nature.

Clear dividing lines are often impossible to draw, just as much of what occurs to us as a natural landscape is in fact a cultural landscape. In his work he questions views on the use of native and exotic crops and ideas such as the romantic ideal of purity. At the same time, he marvels at the indifferent handling of vegetable nature by ever larger groups of people. Trees, plants and flowers are increasingly being relegated to commodities.

In his work, he wants to demonstrate a more respectful approach to plant material as well as a broader understanding of concepts such as 'nature', 'garden' and 'flower arrangement', and to make people receptive to a more conscious and intense experience thereof.


The New Garden

Task

  • 01-03-2015
  • In collaboration with: Het Nieuwe Instituut
  • Location: Museum Park, Rotterdam
  • In 2015, the outside area around Het Nieuwe Instituut was redesigned as De Nieuwe Tuin by Frank Bruggeman in collaboration with ecological gardener Hans Engelbrecht. The New Garden is a 'nature-inclusive' meeting space with a high biodiversity (in 2020 about 150 plant species) on a relatively small surface. The New Garden wants to set an example for other mini-city parks that are not only intended for people and where nature is given free rein to a large extent.

Acknowledgments

    Collection
  • Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

  • 2018, Rotterdam
    Collection
  • BPD Art Collection

  • 2007, Amsterdam
    Collection
  • Stedelijk Museum

  • 2015, Amsterdam
    Collection
  • Zeeland Museum

  • 2011, Middelburg
    Publication
  • Botanical Pleasure

  • exhibition catalog (2011)
  • Zeeland Museum / Architectura en Natura - Frank Bruggeman / Ivo van Werkhoven / Peter Zwaal
    Publication
  • Club Donny

  • magazine (10 issues, 2008-2013)
  • - Frank Bruggeman / Ernst van der Hoeven / Samira Ben Laloua