Twenty years after the death of renowned Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, his artistic legacy continues to speak for itself through thousands of works that remain vibrant and meaningful today. The artist's extensive body of work, totaling approximately 7,000 pieces across various mediums, represents a remarkable artistic heritage that transcends his physical absence.
While Folon was widely recognized for his mastery of traditional mediums like paper, engraving, and watercolor, he distinguished himself by embracing unconventional materials with unprecedented creativity. The artist made ceramic work, mosaics, and even tapestries uniquely his own, infusing each medium with his distinctive artistic codes and dreamlike vision. His innovative approach to these materials set him apart from his contemporaries and expanded the boundaries of contemporary art.
Folon's artistic ambitions eventually grew beyond the confines of his studio, leading to monumental art installations and extraordinary large-scale productions. These oversized works began appearing in public spaces, transforming city squares and public gardens around the world. Today, it's not uncommon to encounter a "Folon" piece while walking through public spaces in locations as diverse as La Hulpe in Belgium, Paris, France, or Florence, Italy, where his sculptures brighten urban environments and bring joy to countless passersby.
The durability and preservation of these outdoor installations present unique challenges that raise important questions about art conservation. These sculptures must withstand harsh weather conditions, constant exposure to wind and rain, and in coastal locations, the corrosive effects of salt air. The question of who takes responsibility for maintaining, preserving, and ensuring the continued brilliance of these public artworks becomes increasingly critical as time passes.
The Folon Foundation, based in La Hulpe, serves as the guardian of the artist's vast legacy and takes on the crucial responsibility of maintaining the integrity of thousands of pieces. However, their conservation work faces significant challenges, particularly because none of Folon's public artworks have received official historical classification or protected status. This lack of formal recognition complicates preservation efforts and funding for maintenance projects.
Isabelle Douillet-de Pange, the curator of the Folon Foundation, has an enormous task ahead of her as she oversees the preservation of the artist's public works. Her current responsibilities include maintaining the integrity of Folon's fresco in the Montgomery metro station and preparing for the upcoming restoration of eleven statues located in Florence's garden of flowers. These conservation efforts ensure that future generations will continue to experience Folon's artistic vision in public spaces around the world.
