les palissades
'video installation, 2022, 15’, stereo sound
During my residency at Cité internationale des Arts de Paris, I examined the views on La butte de Montmarte and Parc Butte Chaumont. The two highest points of Paris, both human made hills, won through gypsum mining a few centuries ago. I was curious to what this artificial elevated urban landscape would bring forth and if being physically on a more elevated point, would elevate your nervous system as well from the chaotic and dynamic crowd that is Paris. Relentlessly looking for the perfect spot that would uncover this, I got actually fascinated by this searching cycle that never seemed to halt, as there was a lot of natural obstruction in front of open views taking place. There is a certain negation to be found in the images of these obstructed landscapes that created the actual urge and curiosity to see it, in that way underlining its actual presence.
In this installation you are looking at a potential, a promise of a comfort that is never quite reached. A soothing and meditative tranquility is nonetheless created in the cycle of patiently searching and never reaching.
Made during the artist residency of Cité Internationale des Arts de Paris, granted by the Flemish ministry of Culture and Arts.
