Summary

The kite that never flew represents the impossible desire for a lost childhood with a large-scale art installation consisting of beach toys, usually the elements for a fun day at the beach, encased in papier-mâché. For many people, a day at the beach is the perfect day out, but another reality is that of people who embark on perilous sea crossings in search of safety. This work shines a light on the everyday reality of adults who did not have the chance to be a child due to dire circumstances.

Info

For many people, a day at the beach is the perfect day out. Building sandcastles, taking an invigorating dip in the water— a vision of absolute pleasure. The proximity to the sea is soothing, an inexhaustible source of life and inspiration.

Another reality is that of people who embark on perilous sea crossings, in search of safety. They attempt a dangerous, expensive journey on inflatable rubber boats that are unworthy of withstanding the frights of the sea. These vessels are meant for short pleasure trips and are often equipped with faulty outboard motors. Despite the risks, they feel that crossing the sea is their only option for survival which makes them put their fate in the hands of ruthless smugglers. Their names, dreams, personalities, origins, songs and stories – all forgotten.

The kite that never flew represents the impossible desire for a lost childhood with a large-scale art installation consisting of beach toys, usually the elements for a fun day at the beach, encased in papier-mâché. A material that refers to playfulness and is associated with childhood, is seen as a hobby material. By using a material of such reputation, I hope to challenge the notions that traditional sculpture materials embody.

With this work, I wanted to shed light on the everyday, repetitive and tiresome reality of adults who did not have the chance to be a child due to dire circumstances. You grow up early and take on an overwhelming load of adult responsibilities. There is no time or space for the playful, the carefree or the light-hearted.

Many thanks to

Shivani Gowda, Samriddhi Ghattak, Hana Spillerová, Romana Klementisova, Catelijne Boele, Robin Whitehouse, Katarina Head and Zela Odessa Palmer.

Advisor light and installation: Dennis Slootweg
Paper and book conservator Papiermolen de Middelste Molen: Ted Steemers
Paintings Conservator (Texas, USA): Mark van Gelder
Paper conservator Stadsarchief Amsterdam, Lecturer Book and Paper conservation Uva: Cristina Duran
Paper conservator and scientist Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Coordinator book and paper conservation lecturer Uva: Leila Sauvage
International Academic Projects (conservation, archaeology and museum studies), London, United Kingdom: Jonna Lange

Made possible by

Stichting Stokroos
Charlotte van Pallandt Prijs
Museum Beelden aan Zee