Indaten®: a product of nature for ‘Proud’ sculptor
An impressive sculpture by Belgian artist William Roobrouck has been installed on a roundabout in the Belgian seaside town of Knokke-Heist. Known as ‘Proud,’ the sculpture features the stylised profile of a woman. “It’s based on a real person,” notes Roobrouck. “She is a woman from Macedonia and symbolises beauty, as well as the pride to be here in Knokke-Heist.”
The sculpture was installed in February 2020. A formal unveiling of the installation, planned for the spring, had to be abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Passionate about steel
William Roobrouck began working with steel at a very young age. “I was inspired by my grandfather. He was passionate about working with steel and being creative. I was exposed to that at a very young age and worked with him during the school holidays until I was 17.”
Now a full-time artist and sculptor, Roobrouck is inspired by nature. His creative process is very spontaneous as he explains: “I don’t sit at a table drawing plans. It begins with an idea which is usually a reaction to my thoughts, feelings, or nature. From that idea I create a digital model and then 3D print it. That gives me a visual form of the work which I use to create the life-sized version.”
Roobrouck works mainly with Indaten® weathering steel from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products. “The finish of Indaten® is beautiful,” says Roobrouck. “Over time it develops an orange/brown patina which protects the steel from corrosion. It’s very organic.”
William Roobrouck exhibition showcases the beauty and flexibility of Indaten®
A recent exhibition of works by William Roobrouck demonstrated the beauty and possibilities of Indaten® weathering steel from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products. “Indaten® is one of my favourite materials – it’s a product of nature,” notes Roobrouck. “As well as being beautiful and strong, the steel can be formed in a lot of different ways. And it’s easy to recycle!”
The exhibition was held at the Art Center Horus in Latem (near Ghent, Belgium) in October 2019. Although the exhibition has closed, some works remain on display at the gallery. Roobrouck notes that the best time to see them is at night: “When they are lit by an orange light, you see the multi-faceted nature of the Indaten® finish. It’s warm and gives the viewer a very positive feeling.”
More info: artcenterhorus.com
Text: ArcelorMittal Europe Communications, Constructalia
Images: marijkethoen.photography & William Roobrouck
Video: Art Center Horus - Latem
About Indaten®
Indaten® is a structural steel with excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, thanks to its protective and adhesive patina which evolves with time and the effects of the environment. Over time, the steel surface develops a beautiful purplish brown patina which acts as a protective armour for the steel.