S+T+ARTS in the City | Artists-in-Residence
Roel Heremans | Resonance of Renewal

+ About Resonance of Renewal

Resonance of Renewal is an audiovisual sculpture in the entrance hall of the Jules Bordet Institute. Suspended from the high ceiling, this organic form contrasts distinctly with the hospital’s clean, linear architecture, highlighting the delicate balance between the structured medical environment and the complex, holistic journey of each patient.

While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number, research indicates that over 250,000 cancer-related studies are published worldwide each year. On average, this means a new scientific study is released every two minutes. To reflect this pace of discovery, a small light ignites at the beginning of the sculpture every two minutes, traveling through its entire form and gradually illuminating it throughout the workday. This ongoing visual process symbolizes the steady progress in cancer research, offering a sincere message of hope and advancement to all who encounter it.

The sculpture’s flowing, organic design, resembling a double Möbius ring, serves as an evocative visual metaphor for the endless cycle of life, interconnectedness, and transformation, mirroring the ongoing process of healing and adaptation.Beyond its aesthetic contribution, Resonance of Renewal invites reflection on the role of data in healthcare. By integrating this data in an encrypted and respectful manner, the sculpture seeks to enhance the connection between patients and the broader advances in medical science, emphasizing the ongoing progress and collective effort in cancer research.

“The synergy between the artist, the hospital, and researchers will lead to a multilayered artwork that will speak to many people. We really appreciated the hopeful message that was the core of the proposal.”

Roel Heremans envisions the installation of an audiovisual sculpture at the Jules Bordet Hospital, which specializes in cancer treatment. The project is inspired by the hospital’s architectural aesthetics and aims to create a meaningful addition to the environment. The sculpture is envisioned as a meditative, colorful, organic form hanging from the entrance hall’s ceiling, in contrast to the hospital’s linear design. The central idea involves integrating data streams into the sculpture. The proposal suggests visualizing scientific studies about cancer, highlighting the progress in cancer research. The question of using patient data for artistic purposes is raised, emphasizing the ethical considerations and the potential use of publicly available data.

+ Artist

+ Video Statement

+ Credits

Concept: Roel Heremans
Co-commissioned by Gluon and Institut Jules Bordet within the framework of S+T+ARTS In the City 
3D design: Laura Colmenares Guerra, Ferre Vander Elst, Sander Heremans
3D printing: VPP composites, Sirris 
Programming: Sirris 
Local experts: Maarten Francq, Frederik Timmermans, Laurien Van Dyck, Lucas Evers, Katrien Van Remoortel, Evy Ceuleers
Co-funded by: European Commission, Innoviris, National Lottery, IMEC, Flemish Institute for Biotechnology

This project has been developed in the context of the S+T+ARTS in the City project. S+T+ARTS in the City has received funding from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology under grant agreement No. LC-01984766.

S+T+ARTS in the City is funded by the European Union under grant agreement LC-01984766 under the STARTS – Science, Technology and Arts initiative of DG CNECT. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or DG CNECT. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.