Monument for Cervus Vitalis #2 (Malus Sylvestris), Stief DeSmet

A life-size bronze deer statue sits proudly at the Markey ponds in the heart of the nature reserve Garzebekeveld. The sculpture is made by Stief DeSmet, whose work is often situated on the border between nature and culture. The fragmented deer symbolizes the human propensity to want to tame nature. The artist was inspired by the somewhat kitsch statues found in small gardens in front of Flemish houses, a tradition that seems to want to master nature. His unfinished deer statue resists the sober design of the parks. Thanks to the reflection on its polished parts, the work blends perfectly into the environment and breaks the artificial border between man and the environment.