Conrad was invited by Museo Villa dei Cedri, Bellinzona Switzerland in preparation for the upcoming exhibition ‘Hortus Conclusus’, curated by Marco Costantini
The exhibition reinterprets in a contemporary key the Christian theme of the hortus conclusus (or enclosed garden) overlapping it with the classical myth of the abduction of Europe, a poetical illustration of the propagation of different civilizations from the Middle East to the West. This comparison questions the actual political situation: Is it better to be inside or outside the garden? Which is the correct side of the wall? From what dangers must it preserve us from?
Two of his sculptures will be exhibited for "Hortus Conclusus". Construction IV (2017) is shown in the museum and a new sculpture - specially made for the exhibition - I.XI.XIV (1.11.14) will be set up in the park. It consists of 3 elements that, just like his other Constructions, derive their shape from classic wooden play blocks. The 3 elements are block 1 (cube of 73 x 73 x 73 cm), block 11 (bridge of 219 x 73 x 110 cm) and block 14 (prism of 73 x 73 x 103 cm).
I.XI.XIV is made from red Griotte marble from the last active red marble quarry in Belgium. The choice for this typical but presently undervalued Belgian marble is inspired by the special geological origin and its rich architectural history.
For the exhibition "Hortus Conclusus" this work will be placed in the park alongside installations by Alain Huck and Sanderine Pelletier.