When visitors walk through the garden of the orangery, they are surprised by an intermittent sound of running water mixed with a clicking sound of metal. There is a Pol Bury fountain in the basin. This kinetic work consists of 24 convex triangles, arranged on two levels, that form a beautiful metal water lily. The sky and water of the basin are reflected in the polished surface of the steel, creating moving images that bring the work to life.
At first glance the work seems immobile, but then one of the triangles flips over in a random way and the water flows out. The walkers cannot anticipate the movement. They don't know which triangle will tip over or when, because the fountain comes to life in a random and asymmetrical way. A pump system raises the water to the center of the fountain. It then flows into one of the triangles reaching its tipping point under the weight. It is a closed circuit installation.
Pol Bury (1922-2005) was a multidisciplinary artist from Hainaut. He was active as a painter, graphic artist, sculptor and writer, but is also known for executing fountains, designing jewelery and making short films. Pol Bury built his first hydraulic fountain in 1976. Numerous monumental sculptures and fountains by his hand can be found in urban landscapes all over the world.