One of the landmarks of Paris, alongside with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, has been severely damaged by fire more than a week ago. Since then, the French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced an international architectural competition for the project of the collapsed cathedral spire’s restructuring. Wim Delvoye, one of the most prominent creators of contemporary art, announced his intention to participate in the international competition for the project of reconstruction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Philippe admitted that following the results of the competition, a new spire can be installed, designed according to the current interpretations and technical capabilities. Based on his words, the team of Wim Delvoye has already started working on the first project proposal.

Photo credit: Wim Delvoye’s Official Website/wimdelvoye.be

The 93-meter spire collapsed in the fire, which started at the Notre-Dame Cathedral on April 15. It was installed in the1860s in the course of radical restoration and reconstruction under the supervision of architect Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc. He was one of the renowned restorer of French medieval buildings fond of the Gothic style. “The international competition will be a chance for us to think whether we want to restore the spire in the form in which it was conceived by Viollet-le-Duc,” shared the French Prime Minister.

As for Wim Delvoye, the Belgian sculptor draws inspiration from the creations of Viollet-le-Duc, just like Antoni Gaudi and Louis Sullivan once did.

Photo credit: Wim Delvoye’s Official Website/wimdelvoye.be

The Belgian artist is widely known for his artworks made from carved stainless steel, created with laser cutting, as well as metal and glass art installations in the form of trucks, cement mixers and towers. All these unusual sculptures are executed in the architectural style of Gothic Revival. In 2012, the artist presented a spiral tower called “Suppo,” the creation of which was inspired by the Flemish Gothic architecture, in the Louvre.

According to a statement issued by the artist’s studio, “Based on the many years of deepening in the Gothic architectural style, Wim Delvoye feels strongly encouraged to contribute to the reconstruction of this monument [Notre Dame].”

Photo credit: Wim Delvoye’s Official Website/wimdelvoye.be

The retrospective exhibition of the artist now takes place in his homeland, Belgium, in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels. The exposition includes famous fine art paintings and classical art pieces, as well as surrealistic artworks, and will be open until July 21.