Sand Art in Blooming Baroque
An art exhibition of a somewhat different kind is the Sand Art from 24.06. to 20.08.2023. Not on a seashore, no, in the North Garden of the Blossoming Baroque international sand artists are carving their creative works for this year's summer exhibition. The theme could hardly leave more scope for artistic realisation: Atlantis.
Numerous myths entwine around the sunken city, which is said to have once been a mighty and magnificent island empire.
The international sand artists give visitors an insight into their filigree work - impressive mythical creatures or other Atlantis symbolisms are created from huge pressed sand blocks, each made of several tonnes of sand.
Which works of art are carved can be observed live on site, so it will certainly be exciting to see how large turtles or the figure of the legendary Poseidon are created.
Half of the figures will be finished by the opening, and another four figures will be created directly on the opening day during speed carving. Until August, local artists will be creating more figures at the weekends. A visit is worthwhile several times over, because the exhibition changes.
Embark on an expedition to the legendary Atlantis and experience fabulous sand sculptures.
For a relaxed summer feeling, the "Sandgastro" offers deckchairs, cool drinks and delicious barbecue specialities.
Why do sand sculptures last so long?
Many have ever built a sandcastle on the beach. With wet sand that's pretty easy - but once the sand was dry, there was a risk of collapse. But why do the sculptures of the Sand artists last so long?
The sand artists, also called Carver, do not use the normal sand from the sandy beach, because it is very old and already washed by the tides. It is about as good for building as if you were trying to stack tennis balls. The sand used by the carver must be square and sharp-edged.
Of course, the sand slumps of professionals are also larger than normal sandcastles that you build on holiday ... but you must also take into account that for a figure 30 tons of sand and more are used. Before the carvers can get started, the sand is compacted layer by layer. And that takes quite some time, because only small amounts, ie a layer of about 30 cm thickness can be compacted, because it is very important that the sand is very compact afterwards. During compaction, the angular sharp-edged grains of sand interlock perfectly and "hold each other" firmly.
The carving of the sand sculptures is then always from top to bottom. It is important that there is a "loose" layer of sand at the bottom, where any rain can drain well and seep through.
Some carvers then sprinkle the figures with a protein-containing liquid that lays like a very thin skin around the sand sculpture, but is still biodegradable. This invisible skin gives a temporary additional protection against heavy rain, so that sand sculptures are extremely durable.
