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Staying Together in the Earth for a While
June 2002, organic material (clay, soil, potting compost, daisies) and metal, 65 x 130 x 65 cm,
Window Gallery, Walter Van Beirendonck, Antwerp

A floating parcel of a crafted earthen block with two concealed openings underneath, decked
with flowers and supported by a metal plate. This ominous weight of 0.8 ton hangs on 4 steel
cables, fixed in the wall. In turn, two visitors place themselves simultaneously under the block.
Depending on their respective height a step is provided, which enables their head to disappear
into the earth.

Work scheme:
-conveying soil, clay and potting compost
-weighing and mixing (first mixing the three components, then adding water)
-transporting the mixture to the location
-installing a stable, internal structure for the immense mass
-systematically erecting a framing around the internal structure
-filling up the framing with the soil mixture, layer by layer and tamping it down
-leaving the tamped down soil mixture to dry
-removing the framing

Realized with the support of the Flemish Community

Photos (figures 80 x 60 cm): Hans Thielman

With thanks to Util, Bert Ghysels, Hans Thieman, Stefan Maenen and Jos De Gruyter