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Spent dandelion heads – weeds, really – that we usually walk straight past or, if we feel like it, casually blow away. But here, captured in this still tableau, we can really take a good look at them. And then you notice how perfect the spherical shape is and how surprisingly regular their structure. Nature is full of hidden beauty.
In all its apparent simplicity, this installation by Michel François is one of the highlights of the collection of collectors Marlies (1938–2023) and Jo Eyck (1929–2021). The vast majority of their collection was acquired by the Bonnefanten in 2012, with support from the Province of Limburg.
The dandelion installation was created for a group exhibition in 2005 at Wijlre Castle, the Eycks’ country estate. A dozen or so artists were invited to create work in response to the nature surrounding the estate. For François’s installation, Jo and volunteers from Wijlre Castle picked the dandelions. The work the artist created with them immediately became a firm favourite with visitors. It subsequently entered the Eycks’ collection and was on permanent display at Wijlre until recently.
The installation was too fragile to simply include in the exhibition about the Eyck collection at the Bonnefanten. The dandelions had been severely damaged, partly as a result of the flooding in South Limburg in July 2021. After careful investigation, the museum decided to replace all the dandelions. This was in keeping with the artist’s wishes. The Bonnefanten wanted the restoration to remain faithful to the work’s original context. In memory of the Eycks, and to honour the memories of those involved, it was decided to pick the dandelions again at Wijlre.
On a sunny day in May, staff from the Collection Management department and volunteers from Wijlre Castle headed out into the meadows surrounding the estate and collected around one hundred dandelion seed heads. The flowers were cut close to the ground and immediately fixed with hairspray, preventing the delicate seeds from being blown away by the wind. The flowers were transported in special boxes and dried. A few months later, they were placed back in the display case.
By staying as close as possible to the original execution, the installation has now been restored in keeping with the artist’s concept and in the spirit of Marlies and Jo.
The installation Atelier Pissenlits can be seen until 4 May 2025 in the exhibition Met behoud van karakter: Collectie Marlies en Jo Eyck at the Bonnefanten. Would you like to know more about the exhibition and this restoration?
