MIDNIGHT MARSH
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen, Wondelmeersen, Stadshal Ghent,2024/25
Collaborative project about hospitality between humans and more than humans
(in this case cities and marshes) with fellow artists Malaika Cunningham, Zoë Laureen Palmer,
James cook and I. Commissioned by Viernulvier, Kunsthal Gent and deKoer.
The 18 month project culminated in a gathering at Stadshal, which is a huge city-centre
sheltered meeting space designed by Marie-José Van Hee. We wanted to raise ideas around
unconditional welcome - to give a sense of the marshes that were drained for the city and
wonder about coexistence.
There was nothing for it only to make a banquet for whoever turned up.
There was a potluck element with people bringing offerings including a huge crocodile bread,
a boat, a poem written in oak ink and a bicycle full of tekno and chocolate mousse. The tables
were designed with built in bowls (excellently fabricated by Rien at Viernulvier). We wanted to
bring the marsh into the city so we decided the best way was through sound gathered over
the course of the project which was then made into something that held us all together in the space.
We caught wind of an artwork by the 019 collective called Wishing Well which is essentially a mini marsh
so they very kindly reinstalled it.
I have known some large pots in my time but this was the biggest yet. We had no idea of the
numbers. It was exhilarating. So many people turned up! And in the end we wrapped one another
in a collective shawl.
Huge Gratitude to Viernulvier, Kunsthal Gent and deKoer.
📸 by Michael Devijver
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