At first glance, the wood seems to have forgotten its own nature. It rises, folds, and flows, as though moved by an invisible current. With I Thought It Was Water, SEPT is pleased to present the first solo exhibition of Bulgarian sculptor Daniel Mirchev, also known as Duna, at its Knokke space. This exhibition marks his first presentation with SEPT and the beginning of his representation by the gallery.
Rooted in a deep understanding of wood and traditional craftsmanship, Mirchev's practice transforms a solid, resistant material into forms that appear fluid and almost weightless. Curves unfold like waves, while delicate lines follow the contours of each sculpture, recalling the movement of water, wind, and shifting landscapes. Rather than simply imitating nature, his work explores the tension between what a material is and what it can become.
Bringing together wall-mounted sculptures and freestanding works displayed on plinths or directly on the floor, the exhibition invites visitors to experience sculpture from different perspectives. As we move around each piece, light reveals new surfaces, shadows deepen, and forms seem to shift. What appears spontaneous is, in fact, the result of patience, precision, and an intimate dialogue with the material.
Presented in the coastal setting of Knokke, I Thought It Was Water finds a natural resonance with the surrounding sea. Yet its title suggests something beyond water itself: a moment of uncertainty, when a familiar material becomes something unexpected.
Between stillness and movement, strength and delicacy, Daniel Mirchev invites us to look beyond appearances and discover how even the most solid materials can carry the illusion of life.