The Wanderer

Public, permanent sculpture at Koksijde-Oostduinkerke, Belgium.

Bronze. 2012

 

In 2012 Couta was an invited artist at the Beaufort Triennial of Sculpture in Belgium. She, created a public sculpture that drew directi references to history, folk myths and stories of the region interconnected with aspects of her personal work. Her research revealed legends, superstitions and stories that materialised in her sculpture

“For her bronze statue, the Greek-Cypriot artist Melita Couta was inspired by a mythological figure from ancient Greece and legends of the North. The fauna, or phaunos in Greek, is half-human half-goat and is known as the god of the forest. On the occasion of Beaufort, The Wanderer is overlooking the sea. His golden horn (The Horn of Plenty) refers to St. Elmo's fire, a light phenomenon appearing on the masts of ships, created by electric discharge. Seafarers interpreted this as a sign that their prayers had been heard. When the fire appeared, the storm died down. Protecting them against ghosts and water spirits like the screaming Nekker of Koksijde, The Wanderer is the patron saint of fishermen.” Press release Beaufort Triennial of Sculpture 2012..