JE DROOMT OOK VAN JEZELF ALS EEN SCHEPSEL VAN HET MOERAS
(You also dream of yourself as a creature of the swamp)
(You also dream of yourself as a creature of the swamp)
Video
2023
In the summer of 2023 I spent 5 weeks in residence at Kunsthuis SYB, Beetsterzwaag. I began my research into the practice of water witching, a method of looking for underground water sources using a forked twig or L shaped copper rods. This practice was made popular in 16th century Germany by the mining industry. During my stay in Beetsterzwaag, I spoke to neighbours about their realtionships to water witching, to the water bodies around the town and to the rising water table. The film I made during the residency is based on a collection of stories shared with me in Beetsterzwaag about the joys and tensions between knowing closely, caring for and fearing bodies of water.
This project was made possible with the help of Gisanne Hendriks, Gepke and Jan Harmsma and other dear friends in Beetsterzwaag.
watch the film here
watch the film here
IN THE COURTROOM WITH ROCKS: PLAYGROUND
Installation
2023
Between watching films from the project ‘In the Courtroom with Rocks’ visitors of the ‘Courtroom’ were invited to play in a pile of sand with ceramic and wooden instruments based on mining practices. The installation reflected on the movement of raw materials in a landscape and the separation of ‘pure’ and waste material. The pile of sand was shifted, sifted, prodded, dug into, slapped into molds and played in, leaving new traces/scars/pits each day of the festival.
The installation was part of the Expedition route at Oerol 2023.
A MINE AND IT’S WATERY EXTENSIONS
Installation
2022
When an iron ore mine breaches the water table, local springs run dry, heavy metals seep into wells. Water that feeds the Jamun trees, the Bison and the Rasbora, trickles into the acidic stomach of the mine, only to be pumped out again. Further down the production line, the iron ore is bathed in water and sent off on its journey down the Mandovi river. The same river that the Portuguese colonizers sailed up 450 years ago and drew the first mining leases.
The installation, an ode to the beings and the water affected by iron ore mining in Goa, was part of the project ‘In the Courtroom with Rocks’, created together with Marina Sulima.
Photographed by Monika Balu
Photographed by Monika Balu
Fe203 A DREAM
Short film, 9’55”
2022
A retelling of the troubles of a
local farmer and retired activist, C, from Quepem, South Goa where iron ore
mining had resulted in the drying up of 6 springs. She worries about the future
of her daughter and her farm in a time where the local government favours quick
bucks over ancient ecosystems. In a dream she finds herself back at the mining
pit where she meets three figures, the future generations, who break some bad
news.
The film is part of the exhibition ‘In the Courtroom with Rocks’, created together with Marina Sulima.
watch the film here
watch the film here