Atomania: New book captures nation’s love affair with Belgian landmark

Photographer Jo Voets turned his talent for street images and film stills to documenting whimsical miniature Atomiums he found gracing the front gardens of Belgian families. The surrealist tributes to the 1958 tourist attraction are captured in his book Atomania.

It was during the long empty days of Covid lockdown that Jo Voets started driving around the country to photograph a series of mini Atomiums adorning the lawns of Belgian households.

These home-made spherical structures were inspired by the space-age Expo 58 flagship construction that has since become an unlikely international symbol for Brussels and Belgium.

From mirror mosaic disco balls to giant plant pots and silver-sprayed footballs, homeowners fashioned their own surreal tributes. It is testimony to their enduring love affair with the original Atomium that these memorabilia are still standing almost 70 years on.

Voets knew nothing of the miniature monuments until he spotted one by chance near Brussels. His curiosity was piqued and he started scouring the land, from the coastline to the Ardennes, in search of similar sightings. After a short clip of his mission was broadcast on Flemish TV, some proud Atomium owners started contacting him.

His first discovery was in a suburban garden in Dilbeek (pictured above). Marieke thought that a replica Atomium would be a useful recipient for flowers. Husband Jean had another idea and created a disco ball homage that included 22,500 tiny mirrors. He died 18 months ago and his wife lovingly maintains the garden attraction; regularly replacing the reflective pieces stolen by errant crows. “It is a nostalgic reminder of the world fair and the period when they were teenagers,” Voets tells The Bulletin.

The couple’s proud creation is a conversation piece, attracting the attention of passing motorists and cyclist in addition to unruly birds. Another head turner, this time serving as a display for summer blooms, belongs to Willy and Marie-Thérèse (pictured, main image).

Michel and Marie-Christine in the Namur region decorate their Atomium four times a year to reflect the passing seasons. While the Halloween tribute (pictured) frightens local children, their pièce de resistance is the Christmas-themed confection.

The entire structure was crafted out of concrete in a false wood technique; the birch wood effect a speciality of one of their grandfathers who built park benches and bridges in a similar style. “This is one of my favourites. I like to call it the Flintstones Atomium,” confesses Voets. “Each one is different and each one is a work of art in its own right.”

It is not only Belgians celebrating the world-famous fair. A Portuguese family bought a Brussels property with a dilapidated statue in the garden. “It was falling apart but they restored it because it was a symbol of Belgium and they rather liked the shape,” he says.

“The book is about the people and their pride and love for the Atomium,” explains Voets, who harbours a life-long affection for the monument. Born in 1958, he likes to imagine his mother visiting the world fair while was pregnant with him, although she denies ever attending the attraction.

“It is a beacon for me. When I see it as I’m driving back to Brussels from Antwerp, I feel that I’m coming home.”

He is thankful that the eye-catching building designed as a temporary structure underwent major renovation 20 years ago. “I think it is an impressive piece of modernist architecture. Belgium wanted to show off to the world and came up with this crazy idea at a time when atoms were the centre of attention.”

After a career largely dedicated to street photography and taking stills for film productions, Voets never imagined he would have a book published of his work. It was his close friend Onno Hesselink, responsible for the layout, who pitched the idea to a publisher. “I’m definitely over the moon with the result,” says Voets, who developed a close rapport with the owners of the replica statues.

While they are granted anonymity to maintain their privacy, the photographs are accompanied by an essay by visual arts professor Dr Johan Swinnen. “Through the lens of photographer Jo Voets, these miniature structures become unexpected love letters to a modernist architectural icon, transforming everyday spaces into surreal monuments of affection,” he comments.

A text by Belgian singer-songwriter Daan is also included. Voets photographed the musician (pictured above) as a homage to the publicity poster of Stanley Kubrick’s Cold War classic film Dr Strangelove, which showed Major TJ ‘King’ Kong riding an A-bomb like a rodeo cowboy. It makes for a fitting image of the title’s fanciful subject matter by its film-loving author.

Voets' quest for miniature Atomiums continues and he asks anyone who has spotted one to contact him via his website. 

Atomania by Jo Voets is published by Mer Books and is available online and in bookstores. An exhibition of photographs from the book is showing at Peperfabriek in Antwerp until 27 June before touring around the country.

Photos: ©Jo Voets