WiaS exhibition Westerpark
"Spaceship lands in Westerpark" was an eye catcher on the large grass field at the Cultuurpark. Within the framework of PICNIC the project was aiming to make a difference in approach to meet its obligation as a source for inspiration rather then a tool for idea hunters and network maniacs. Therefore actors have been staged to create a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, while drawing visitors into philosophical discussions. It created an environment where the spectators became a part of the exhibition themselves and seemed to eagerly engage in discussion. One acting couple especially contributed to a general atmosphere of happiness, kissing in a hammock, while another referred visitors with technical questions to a five year old boy, who then guided them around with the needed explanation.
In addition, there were various screens around the shell showing a series of anthropological films about the lifestyle of different nomadic peoples, such as the Inuit and Bushmen, and how they built their igloos and huts quite rapidly using available materials. In contrast to WiaS itself, which has taken almost ten years to complete and so simultaneously poses questions about the sustainability of our technology.
Especially on weekends the project was drawing crowds of visitors driven by curiosity and often asking the question "What is it?". The visitors, who did not have enough time for one reason or another, often rushed through the exhibition and on exiting commented, "I don't understand it, but I like it!"
This public presentation was a contrast to the exhibition at the Museumpark hosted by the NAi, where WiaS was placed on the grass field between the NAi and the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen and where the context of the project was evident. In the Westerpark it felt as if people did not really understand that an object can be placed for a longer period of time, without any obvious function. Since there was no commercial advertisement to be seen and the object itself was not extremely weird looking, it was hard for people to figure it out. This makes me aware that an independent art project on this scale is still something rather special in this time and place.
Some quotes by spectators written in the visitor book:
Sam : "Wonderful eye-catcher and beautiful concept!"
Alex : "A masterpiece of great living!"
Francisco : "Zukunftsmusik, geil"
Marike "Interesting, but I don't understand everything"
Dimiti : "What's the point?"
Eef and Kevin : "Not sure what to think of it, but IT and YOU do inspire us in some kind of way…and we love Max!"
Anonymous : "Interesting, but didn't have time to grasp everything"
Mirco : "Leonardo would be proud of this structure"
Jetske : "Thank you for your honest perception on technology"
