“TerraLoop” is a statue design made to transform the urban landscape of Groningen. This life-size statue is not a static representation but a living, breathing monument to nature’s resilience. At its core lies a self-sustainable, circular closed ecosystem, where a plant thrives amidst a delicate balance of water, nutrients, and light. The plant’s roots are visible, symbolizing the foundation and interconnectedness of all life.

The motivation for starting this project stemmed from my observation that public art in Groningen often lacks modernity and interactivity, it is largely dominated by traditional bronze sculptures. I felt a strong need for contemporary, living art that interacts with both its surroundings and the people who encounter it. Additionally, Groningen could benefit from more greenery and natural integration within its urban space. With TerraLoop, I aimed to create a modern, low-maintenance, green artwork that lives and evolves with the help of natural elements such as sunlight and warmth. The piece is not only sustainable but also responsive to its environment.

To develop this concept, I extensively experimented with the form of the artwork. I wanted to build a self-sustaining cycle within the piece, allowing an internal ecosystem to maintain itself. By placing the plant in water, it began to grow roots naturally, thriving without soil—living solely on water. I documented this development through a photo series capturing the various experimental phases that shaped the final design.

Moreover, TerraLoop reveals something normally hidden beneath the surface: the underground root systems of plants. In most urban environments, this vital aspect of life remains unseen beneath concrete and pavement. By bringing root growth into view, the artwork invites reflection on the hidden processes that sustain nature even in the heart of a city.

As the plant flourishes and the roots grow, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the unseen forces of growth, renewal, and resilience. TerraLoop invites viewers to contemplate the intricate beauty of the natural world, while encouraging a deeper connection to the environment that supports us all.