Johan Museeuw can be tied up and lifted up for art: « And say that I actually fear heights » (Ghent)

For two hours, Johan Museeuw and fellow-Flandrien Nico Mattan will hang in the air on Friday, tied up on their bikes according to traditional Shibari button technology. That’s how they form Still Livesa performance by the artists Luke George and Daniel Kok. As a visitor you can walk around freely in the room, and admire the duo from every corner.

« This is far beyond my comfort zone, » says Museeuw immediately. “But that is why I didn’t hesitate for long when they called me for this. Especially when I went to look at the earlier work of Luke and Daniel. They were already a whole football team in the air, and a ship. It seemed fantastic to crawl out of my cocoon, especially in such a beautiful room like the Minard. »

Blind trust

Moreover, Johan should not undergo it alone. Originally, former rider Bert De Backer would participate, but he had to let go of a full agenda. Fortunately Johan was able to convince his friend Nico Mattan quickly. « He is always in for something special. We regularly do Talk evenings, but this is something completely different. »

And as it should be with a performance, Johan and Nico have rehearsed several times. « It is surprisingly comfortable, » says the former world champion. “But being tied up so firmly, that feeling takes some getting used to. I had never experienced that. Not private either, no. (laughs) ”

Add the height: the former riders are seven meters in the air. « And say that I actually fear heights. But I have full confidence in Luke and Daniel. Those men do shows all over the world, they know what they are doing. And well, because it is not that I can put my arm up if I want to go down again.”

Still Lives: GhentFriday at 8 pm in the Minardschouwburg. Tickets via Quadruple.