The commission

De Dommel is a small river that springs near Neerpelt and then flows to the Netherlands.

The nautical club of Neerpelt wanted to mark the starting point of the Dommel with a space where the canoeists could rest, hide, picnic or change.

In collaboration with the municipality, residents and representatives of Natuurpunt, a voluntary association that ensures the protection of the environment in Flanders, they decided to entrust this mission to an artist. They wanted to make this space a specific landmark with special attention to the surrounding natural area.

Joep van Lieshout

After discovering the work of different artists, it was finally Joep van Lieshout who was chosen by the patrons. They then met him in his studio.

Troglodyte

For this starting point on the banks of the Dommel, the artist has created a collection of playful sculptures that evoke rocks scattered throughout the landscape. The largest sculptures host a meeting and rest area for canoeists and walkers, as well as a cloakroom.

The work was inaugurated in a festive way in June 2018.