60th anniversary of twinning

An artwork for the four municipalities - Eiken / Eecke / Eicken-Bruche / Eke

As the designer of this work, I would like to share its meaning.

Inspired by an oak tree trunk with sixty growth rings, I created a work that celebrates the twinning of four municipalities across four countries: Eiken, Eecke, Eicken-Bruche, and Eke. These municipalities, each unique, have symbolized togetherness and hospitality for sixty years.

The oak, a tree that represents strength, wisdom, and protection, is the central theme of this work. Just as the oak offers protection to everything in its surroundings, these municipalities provide a home for their inhabitants. The oak reminds us to strengthen our roots so that we can stand firm in life.

In my artwork, I have depicted four figures that symbolize the four municipalities. Each figure holds oak leaves as a sign of fertility and growth. However different the figures and their postures may be, they all wear the same pair of boots that form a solid foundation. In this way, they form one tree, the oak, which connects the four municipalities.

The prints are largely the same, with the difference that in each of the four images, a different character is central. That figure is filled with the texture of the sixty-year-old trunk that I printed. The characters are young, yet mature at the same time. You can also find the imprints of the oak in the leaves.

As the creator of this work, I feel honored to symbolize this celebration of sixty years of twinning. It is beautiful to see how these municipalities, just like the oak, continue to grow and flourish. It reminds us of the power of connection, openness, and the meaning of a solid foundation. I hope that this artwork can be a source of inspiration for everyone who sees it and that it also reminds us of the power of unity and our common roots. Let’s celebrate this sixtieth anniversary of twinning with pride, knowing that together we stand strong, just like the oak.

Soetkin Everaert, July 2025, Eke