Plein Air

Plein Air results in bucolic sceneries, although the process is a fight from the painter trying to control nature, a conflict between the painter and the wind and the breeze moving the weeds, the lawn, the water, the clouds trying to create a still illustration of what barely stops moving, nature. 

A park is inherently contradictory from its conception as it is a product of society and the city. It embodies humanity's inability to relinquish development while simultaneously wanting to preserve an idealized notion of nature. Nonetheless, all of this takes place within the overarching context of the natural environment. 

A park contributes to the solace of the human spirit after the over-exploitation of nature.  It always deliberately limits its simulation of nature by prioritizing a sense of romance and human comfort as important standards. It is often a playground serves human activities. It resembles savannas, open woodlands, the types of landscape that human beings find most relaxing. It is an area of open space provided for recreational use, usually owned, and maintained by the local government. 

Grass is kept short to discourage insect pests and allow for picnics and sporting activities. 

Trees are chosen for their beauty and to provide shade. 

Parks are the portrait of the demigod human complex.  

We have decided to occupy for one day this space in Sonsbeek Park to outline these contradictions, create new imaginaries and enjoy, because a park is made for the citizens to gather and relish the short free time they have. 

For this collective exhibition we chose a picnic approach, artworks interactive with the space and performances that unite the public and the environment. 

Boaz Hoek * Bodien Britschgi * Carlos Colás González * Merel Nas * Nanne van Schie * Nesa Pourgholi * Ouiee Park * Yuanyuan Zhou