A new contemporary art exhibition at EEAS HQ portrays twenty key figures who have driven the vision and values of European identity and unity over hundreds of years.
The “Birth of Europe, political masterminds and our shared values” exhibition by Andrea Cochius is taking place in the Rotunda, EEAS HQ, Brussels.
The second in a series of contemporary art exhibitions to take place at the headquarters of the European External Action Service, it is a collection of 20 large-format portraits which pay tribute to figures who have shaped the course of European history.
Historically significant Europeans
She spent a year researching and painting her subjects. The portraits of historically significant European thinkers and politicians on dynamic backgrounds inspired by flags of Europe radiate with energy.
“I always strive to create works that are not only visually compelling, but also rich with historical and symbolic significance,” she says. Her artistic challenge is to stimulate reflection and conversation about our shared history and future.
I hope my art encourages viewers to engage with the historical journey of Europe
“I hope my art encourages viewers to engage with the historical journey of Europe,” she says. “This is the most important thing for me with this exhibition.”
They 20 subjects portrayed range from the foundational Dutch scholar Erasmus from the 16th century to towering 20th century figures such as Konrad Adenaur and Vaclev Havel through to digital-savvy Europeans politicians like Katarina Barley and Margeret Vestager.
While they share a bold vision of a peaceful and progressive continent, a shadow has fallen across the dream of social and cultural interdependence that creates a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
The war in Europe is a painful reminder of the origins and yet fragility of European unity.
The Birth of Europe exhibition serves as a reminder, that even if at first it seemed like an unrealistic pipe dream, a sustainable, democratic, unified Europe is now more necessary than ever.
Complex ideas and emotions
She works in many mediums but in this case, she chose paint because it “allows me to communicate complex ideas and emotions.” Each person in the collection in their own way has made a significant contribution to the European journey.
After training as a sculptor, the German artist Andrea Cochius finds expression through sculpture, drawing, multimedia, digital, video and paint.
“I would describe my style as a mixture between expressive and naturalistic,” she says of her large format portraits.
Through colours, textures and forms, I can feel and convey the essence of these influential figures
“Through colours, textures and forms, I can feel and convey the essence of these influential figures and the profound impact they they’ve had on Europe,” she says.
Each image has special meaning for her but the passion for her subjects is perhaps best reflected in the image of Konrad Adenhauer, the West German post-war chancellor who presided over reconstruction, pushing for a unified, open Europe which promotes peace.
“This painting is particularly special to me because it was the first in the series,” says Cochius. “I feel the magic of the beginning in there and it truly encapsulates the spirit of the individual and their contribution to the European project.
