The artists in Sustaining Small Acts work from the connection with their physical environment. The starting point for their work is often close by, in their daily living environment: their own household waste, the weeds in the city, the ground under our feet. These everyday points of contact are connected to big questions. About man as the only animal that fouls its own nest, with planetary consequences. About the legacy of the Western anthropocentric view, which measures the value of other living beings by the importance they have for human use and profit. About claiming the ownership and exploitation rights of the earth.
Equally important to these artists is the consideration of how they themselves can act from an awareness of the ecological impact of what they do. Their work is not just about stories and ways of seeing, but is about more than representation: it is also about the Resources, relations and processes that they can cultivate in their own artistic production, or rather avoid, stop or redirect. An inherent part of their work is the exploration of concrete material, technical, chemical, legal or social possibilities for change, which you could call perspectives for action.
Often their actions are deliberately small-scale or restrained—leaving a place alone, not using toxic substances, not wasting anything, working with stray branches, working with a plant. At the same time, behind it often lies a long breath, a consistent commitment, a daily exercise in being different in the world.
During the exhibition period we will develop a program of events and activities on location with Maidie van den Bos, Yoeri Guepin, Honey Jones-Hughes & Antonio de la Hera and Floris Visser (De Volkskantine). Sheray Rozenstein & Carlijn van Heusden will give a workshop for school groups. Keep an eye on our website and socials for more information.