designboom · Creativity & design

Inflatable 'Goddess of Democracy' Sculpture Requires Visitor Effort to Stand

An inflatable sculpture by Austrian artists zweintopf in Ghent, Belgium, symbolizes democracy's dependence on active participation.

The seven-meter-high artwork, titled 'Perseverance (Goddess of Democracy)', is a reinterpretation of the statue erected in Tiananmen Square in 1989. It remains upright only when visitors continuously pump air into it.

The sculpture, made of textile and plastic with metal and wood components, is connected to a pumping station. If visitors stop pumping, the figure deflates, symbolizing democracy's fragility and need for maintenance.

The work contrasts with the permanent architecture of Ghent's Gravensteen castle, where it is currently displayed. It highlights how democracy requires ongoing effort and collective action, rather than being a static image of permanence.

The sculpture is installed on a floating platform in the castle's moat until October 14th, 2026, after which it will move to the inner courtyard of the Design Museum Gent.

This installation is part of a program called 'Democracy Workout', which encourages visitors to practice democratic skills like listening and negotiation, reinforcing the idea that democracy relies on active public involvement.

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