In our own unique ways, we construct spatial structures, shaped by the locations they inhabit and the stories they convey. Park Ter Beuken boasts a remarkable geological history: it lies at a boundary where clay and sandy soil converge, and is partially built upon an old landfill. In this exceptional setting, we aimed to create a project that engages with this troubled ground and employs locally sourced materials.
Throughout the preparatory phase, it became evident that the perfect building elements for our project could be found at the local cemetery in Lokeren: 300 grave monuments nearing the end of their concession were destined for destruction. We chose to give this beautiful material a second life, thereby salvaging 10 tons of natural stone and relocating it to the park.
The grave monuments from the cemetery vary widely in form and style, ranging from simple headstones to richly decorated crosses and sculptures. Despite their solid appearance, these monuments are constructed from discrete elements. Upon disassembly, both abstract and recognizable forms emerge. Some components retain their funerary symbolism, while others shed this in favor of an abstract language of shapes.
These elements are assembled into a single installation: Aggregation, a circular object formed from the fragmented individual grave monuments, brought together as a cohesive whole. This circle, a central point of convergence, departs from the cemetery where the components typically belong, placing them in a new form and context—embodying circularity in every sense of the word.
The location for Aggregation in the park, along the meandering pond shore, has been meticulously chosen. It appears as though the park embraces the work, or the work bends towards the park. Positioned centrally, between the Academy and the entrance to the green path, the installation presents a modest presence for visitors. It will require initiative from the observer to engage closely with the work and traverse the park.
By its inclined position, Aggregation symbolically reaches towards both heaven and earth. This massive disc, with one side sunken and the other elevated, offers itself as a functional object. Its accessibility invites interaction, serving as a potential arena for playful children, an atrium for musicians, or a resting place for wandering visitors.
Video made by Dave Bruel
To see the pictures by Cedric Verhelst of this installation. Click here