Borders and Barriers: exhibition documentation.

Images used in Trojan horse (L): The Children


Images used in Trojan Horse (R): Borders and Barriers in Town.



Mapping Xenophobia: Digital media printed on paper (A4).

"There is much apathy and depression present among people who have been oppressed by an authoritarian regime such as communism. Communism discouraged people from being authentic, connecting with one’s Soul and with other Souls. The regime is gone but the effects it had on people such as sub-conscience, internalised xenophobia have not. Xenophobia, the dislike or fear of foreign people, their customs and culture is still present and effects people like gypsies, gays, children in an orphanage, a visiting artist from New Zealand, Jews, Muslims, etc.", Marcel Baaijens

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I created a ritual for the exhibition opening to acknowledge the end of project I did with the children and the fact that I had to surrender the responsibility I had taken on for their creative development.

The elements used in the ritual were: river stones from the Danube which flows past the orphanage, silk orange fabric and ribbons from India (orange is the colour associated with the second chakra, the chakra of creation), a plastic 'magic wand', a candle and some spring flowers symbolizing new beginnings.

Children's Art

Dear children,

Our time has come to an end. It is time to continue on our respective journeys through life. It was a privilege to have been part of yours. You brought sunshine in my life with your smiles, enthusiasm and willingness to accept my challenge to do the best you can.

A stone has been moved in the river and the water will never flow the same again. What was once a barrier has become a steppingstone. Please take a stone as a reminder of the creative time we spent together.

I hope that whenever you have to make important decisions for yourself, you will remember your ability to be creative. I will now use this magic wand to transform these ordinary river stones into commemorative ones.

The large stone represents the responsibility for the creative development of the children. I will place this stone in the park separating the orphanage from the town. I will leave the stone in Sturovo and release myself from the responsibility and hand it back to the town. May the stone be a symbolic foundation supporting the development of new connections to between the children and the town.


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