Inspired by the popular tradition where a padlock attached to a bridge’s fence is believed to seal eternal love between two people, the artwork questions the symbol of unique and monogamous love and its restrictive nature. Here, the padlocks do not bear personal initials but rather the manufacturer’s brand, generic and insignificant. It is the presence of the key on the padlock that offers a different interpretation of the symbol. Here, nothing is eternal; one can break free without constraint. As a result, the concept of a breakup no longer exists. By transposing the motif of the bridge’s fence onto that of a flag, the intention is to reinforce, declare, or even advocate for this vision of love.
Zoé Médard (Ostend, 1993) lives and works in Brussels. Trained in video and drawing in Liège, her practice is multifaceted and transdisciplinary, incorporating video, drawing, objects, and installations. Both intimate and political, her work addresses issues of ambivalence, indecision, and nostalgia. With a sense of humor, she aims to evoke these emotions in her audience.
Title: Libérer l’amour
Artist: Zoé Médard
From: Art au centre, Liège (BE)
To: Kunsthaus NRW, Kornelimünster (DE)
artist website: …