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ECHO OF BADANGA Sowing Seeds 2024 invited us (duo Akunzo) and sixteen artists from all over the world and also artists from India for an Artist in Residence in Badanga, Udaipur, India. The purpose was to connect you as an artist with the local culture, people, materials and crafts. We were invited because our work is visually responsive to the environment and we are interested in local customs and skills. We are very happy to have been given this opportunity!
For Sowing Seeds, we worked with bamboo, textiles, wire, and stones. We built a work that can be understood in several ways: as a connection between earth and sky, as the interior of a temple, as the figure of a woman... On the wide lower form there are three smaller forms. They represent the full moon, the crescent moon and the stars. The work is brought in a procession to the place under the big tree near the school. The work was made especially for this place and echoes the encounter with India.

     

L'OBSERVATOIRE During the Artist-in-Residence in Beaulieu-lès-Loches, Akunzo made the work L'Observatoire in ‘Les Prairies du Roi’. These are the wet soils of Beaulieu-lès-Loches. The in situ artwork looks like a huge vase woven in a lace of branches. Visitors can enter, sit down or lie down on the wooden bench and look at the sky. Inside, in this open space, they experience a sacred and serene atmosphere. Sunlight is filtered through the tissue of branches. The organic lace-like structure can be interpreted as an ode to nature. Bird's nest, cocoon, chrysalis... The Observatory reminds us of  constructions made by birds or insects to protect and start a new cycle of life. It's a contemplative place for a moment of reflection and experience in connection with the universe.
Beaux Lieux 2023, Beaulieu-lès-Loches, France.

       

EVERYTHING FLOWS The term Panta Rhei comes from the Greek philosopher Herakleitos. Among other things, it uses the symbolism of a stream: you can't enter the same stream twice. In the forest stands a large amphora (a classic jar in which liquid can be stored) with its opening towards the stream. The amphora refers to the idea that everything on earth is always in motion: everything is constantly changing, in other words: everything flows. The work speaks in the same time about the availability of water for all, of the conservation of this rare and precious resource, and refers to the fragile state of our planet.
Sentier Art Nature 2023, Chasse sur Rhône, France.

   

LE NUAGE DE LA PENSEE For LandArt Festival Le Tacot Voyage Ephémère of Rontalon (near Lyon) we made, right on the spot, Le Nuage de la Pensée, a work about protecting the free space that is needed to develop new ideas, to be able to use your imagination, to be able to play. After all, play is the basis of creative development, of culture. Hikers discover an enigmatic work of art in the forest. A curious object floats in a spherical outer shape, made of a lacework of branches. The protective outer shape can be understood as a reference to nature, our globe, the cells from which we are made, the female breast, life. The cloud-shaped object inside refers to free fantasy and imagination.
Le Tacot Voyage Ephémère 2023, Rontalon, France.

   

OXYGEN Akunzo made the work OXYGEN during the Artist in Residence in Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Kentucky, VS.
At Paul’s Point in the Research Forest, a face emerges from the earth and is looking at the sky, sniffing oxygen, breathing air. Paul’s Point is an open space in the forest, high on the hill with a view on the surroundings. Here subject, site and the work OXYGEN coincide together.
Visitors can see the silhouette of OXYGEN from afar. The work is three meters high, over five meters long and over two and a half meters wide. OXYGEN is woven with branches of beech trees, in an organic lace-like structure. These branches are collected in the forest of Bernheim.

Visitors say : … “I see someone gazing at the stars” … “someone is singing in the forest” … “a basket full of breath” … “someone is coming out of the earth” … “it has a connotation to the last words of George Floyd - I can’t breath -“ … “it is a metaphor for the community, one branch may be week, many branches together are strong” … “someone just breathing, you see de the nose and the open mouth” …

According to Jenny Zeller, the artcurator of Bernheim: “OXYGEN is a beautiful installation with a strong presence that also seamlessly blends into the landscape. The work provides the perfect opportunity to talk about the importance of protecting large forest blocks and a reminder that the fresh air we breathe in the forest is essential to the oxygen of life.”
At ColorFest, autumn festival, visitors are asked to provide their thoughts and wishes about their relationship with nature on canvas tags that are temporarily attached to the installation. See video!

In 1929, Mr. Bernheim purchased the land that would become Bernheim Forest, over 16,000 acres. Mr. Bernheim wanted to provide a place for the renewal and restoration of the bond between man and nature. His vision encompassed the combination of an arboretum and natural wooded areas incorporating art to create a unique place to experience nature. When Bernheim bought the land it was completely bare due to the activities of the mining industry. A beautiful forest has grown out of this wasteland.

         

DE WATERDRAAGSTER The artist duo AKUNZO created ‘De waterdraagster’ (She who carries water) for Landgoed Quadenoord during an Artist in Residence AIR. The artwork is located in a dry stream bordered by tall beech trees, as if in a natural cathedral.‘De waterdraagster’ refers to the precarious water situation here and elsewhere in the world. The artwork is woven as a transparent lace with branches of beech and American oak, which are collected on site. Landgoed Quadenoord, Veluwe, The Netherlands, Woest & Bijster 2022.

       

PRECIOUS is about the value and beauty of nature, about transience and eternity. The artwork, shaped like a vase in an organic lace-like weave of branches, is made on the site around a newly planted taxus (yew) tree, a symbol for eternity. The sculpture highlights the tree as nature-element and protects it. As the years go by, the taxus tree will grow and the artwork will disappear. Aselart 2022 in Mazcuerras, Cantabria, Spain.

       

IN TRANSIT II Akunzo titled the work IN TRANSIT, not knowing that it would also go through transitions itself. Leaves grew. That was magical. In spring we moved IN TRANSIT from Lac Trégu to the wetlands in La Gacilly, also in Bretagne, France. The rough grassy and swampy environment creates a new atmosphere and a new story. In the words of Phlippe Lérestif, president of Etangs d’art: “The Yves Rocher Foundation gives us the honor of inviting two artists: Aris de Bakker and Karola Pezarro. They present IN TRANSIT (originally commissioned by Etangs d’art in 2021) in the wet area nearby the heart of the village of La Gacilly."

     

RESERVOIR Somewhere on the edge of Girona's old town, you can descend via a stone staircase to a small plateau on which there is a large jug-like object. Next to it, water drips from the rock (Font d’en Pericot) and a little below flows a stream. At least in winter season. The object, the artwork RESERVOIR, looks like a jar, a container for water, with an arched opening at the top, but at the same time it is transparent like lace, because it is woven from hazel branches. Water would seep through. RESERVOIR is about the availability of water for everyone, about preserving what is valuable and refers to the fragile situation of our planet in these issues. RESERVOIR was made for Art & Gavarres on site by the Dutch artist duo AKUNZO. Art & Gavarres is an International Landart Festival in the Gavarres region.

 
 
 
 

EN ROUTE A Wolf carries the Planet on his back and runs forward. Like this Wolf, we are all on the way. The question is: where to, what is our destination and what do we do along our way? How do we relate to the Planet in the meantime? En route is made right on the spot by AKUNZO (Karola Pezarro & Aris de Bakker) using hazelnut branches. Léz’Arts en Adret 2021, Hautecour, Savoie, France.

 
 
 
 

DER SCHUTZPATRON - the patron saint. The old post road through the steep Twingi gorge (between Ernen and Binn, Zwitserland) meanders along the slope. Along the road you will discover various memorials of people who died here. For hikers and walkers here and elsewhere Akunzo made Der Schutzpatron, to protect us all on our way.
The historical connection between Ernen and Binn is now the venue for an annual exhibition - Twingi Landart - of contemporary artists. With their works they refer to the landscape.

 
 

IN TRANSIT In Lake Trégu in Brocéliande, a feather-light boat floats just above the surface of the water. A creature resembling a wolf or a dog waits in the boat. Is it the ferryman who carries souls across? Do animal, boat and water refer to stories, such as the myth of Ys, the Breton city that disappeared under water? Brocéliande is a region in Bretagne that is a breeding ground for all kinds of myths and stories. Akunzo hopes this work will give rise to new stories.
IN TRANSIT is exhibited during Etangs d'Art 2021. Evert year, Etangs d'Arts is organized on several lakes.

 
 

 
 

TADITADATADI is inspired by the book Homo Ludens that the Dutch historian Huizinga wrote eighty years ago, just before the outbreak of the Second World War. His book is an ode to freedom. Only in freedom can play unfold and culture develop. Huizinga assumed that people are ‘homo ludens’, people who play. From this idea comes the basic thought that everything we call ‘culture’ comes out of play and also develops in a playful way. When the playing ability comes under pressure, the whole culture is under pressure. TADITADATADI challenges people to play together, experience space, see nature in different ways, listen to nature, make sounds and sing, throw or roll a ball, photograph each other through the funnel and to hide in, behind or under the artwork.
Le Parcours des Fées 2020, Crévoux, France.

 

Short video about TADITADATADI. Turn on the sound!

 
 

UNE VUE DE RÊVE is situated on the border of the Gironde, in France. On this site the visitor can appreciate the environment and dream of life.
The work consists of a roof whose shape resembles a zeppelin resting on five elegant feet. The visitor will wonder where it comes from. Only when he approaches, he realizes that it is built from branches that have been harvested on site, painted in white. The branches are woven together like lace. The form is based on meeting places in African villages where people discuss life while watching the passers-by. The work is visible from afar and serves as a landmark. The visitor can sit under the transparent roof or lean against one of the legs of this strange shape, looking at the landscape and the water, simply contemplating.
Sentier des Arts 2019, Royan Atlantique, Le Pôle-Nature, Vitrezay.

 
 
 
 

ECHO OF THE DESERT The rawness of nature is overwhelming here. All shrubs have spines, so that - if there are leaves - goats do not immediately eat everything. The gray dead branches that we find are tough and hard. Everything that wants to live here must make a huge effort. People's attempts to exist here are clearly in vain. Yet there is also a bird's nest, there are bees, we see beetles. In our eyes, the round basin makes an embracing gesture, it carries the dream of water, life and growth. When we draw, a comprehensive, nurturing form arises, leaning against the basin, as a counterbalance to the harsh environment. We decide to use only materials that we can find in the immediate vicinity of the basin. We weave a structure from the bottom of the basin with gray dead branches that embraces a part of the wall. The branches stick out in a natural way, as if a new bush has emerged. A bit above the edge of the basin we create a horizontal boat-like shape in the structure by weaving a double line of branches. On this we place an exuberant amount of coral-like white twigs, which grab up like claws. These coral-like twigs are the dead remains of a special plant that has ‘green fingers’ when alive. We experience the twigs as a subtle hint to the former seabed. At the top of the basin we lay one by one round and egg-shaped dark boulders that connect the basin and the structure of branches like a chain. The installation blends into the landscape, because it is built in the same colors and materials. As you approach from the hill it will only become visible when you get closer. Looking from the top of the hill nothing seems to have happened.

 
 
 
 
 

LA GRANDE DAME The powerful, transparent and sparkling character of Champagne and the entrepreneurial spirit of Madame Clicquot are the inspiration of the work La Grande Dame. Veuve Clicquot (1777 –1866), known as ‘La Grande Dame de Champagne’, was a famous French businesswoman. Under her skillful ownership, and thanks to her skills with wine, the company developed a champagne using a new technique. The brand and company ‘Veuve Clicquot’ still bears her name.
Vign’Art 2019 (Festival d’art dans le vignoble Champenois) in Cuis, France.

 
 
 
 
 

TAKE A MOMENT is an ode to the stream in Entraigues. The work appears as a romantic piece of lace or a canopy suspended above the stream. Karola Pezarro and Aris de Bakker created the installation for HORIZONS ARTS-NATURE EN SANCY using branches of hazel gathered near the site. In this land art process, the two Dutch artists wove the elements together on the spot. Here, the artistic creation is perceived through and within the medium of nature. The site of the installation thus becomes the subject and compels environment-friendliness. Take a moment thereby endeavours to express the spirit of the place, prompting ramblers to reflect.

 
 
 
 

INTERSECTION consists of four covered passages which come together in a chapellike form right on the crossing of two paths. The installation is made of living willow branches and will grow and change over the years. The hiker will enter the work in order to continue his promenade. Art trails in The Great Outdoors, in Condrez-Famenne, Belgium 2017.

 
 
 
 

INTERSEZIONE DELLA VITA a work by Akunzo (Karola Pezarro & Aris de Bakker) for LandArtProject Snijpunt 2016 in Ameland, an isle of the Netherlands.
On top of the dunes Akunzo created with branches a lacelike chapel with a view. While watching the stunning surroundings one hears the tinkling sound of shells.
 
 
 
 

CREATURE OF THE WOODS LOOKING WHERE TO GO a work by Akunzo for L'Art est dans les Bois 2016 in Pleslin-Trigavou, France.
The mirrors on the back of the creature - that is standing on a crossing - are reflecting the light, the trees, the sky and passers-by.
 
 
 
 
 

OU SE TROUVE LE PETIT CHAPERON ROUGE? Akunzo has made the work Where is Little Red Riding Hood? on site. They "wove" a cocoon of more than three meters in length from hazel branches. The wall of the cocoon is slightly transparent.
The visitor sees a silhouette of a creature lurking inside. At the opening of the cocoon a bundle of red wires flows outward.
The bundle of red wires leads to an animal inside with yellow reflector eyes looking out (the wolf?).
The title of the work is formulated as a question. Almost everyone knows the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. But do we truly understand the significance of the story? What meanings are concealed? Are the red wires referring to the clothing of Little Red Riding Hood or to blood?
Is the wolf cruel or are we, humans, acting cruelly with wolves and with nature? Was ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ eaten by the wolf? Is the wolf trapped?
The work ‘Where is Little Red Riding Hood?’ surely excites the imagination of the viewers.
On June 14, 2015 the prize for the best Land Art work of the festival Des Artistes En Campagne in the French village Savins
was awarded to the Dutch artist duo AKUNZO.
 
 
 
 
 

ODE TO THE DRAFT HORSE Akunzo (Pezarro & de Bakker) built the work during the festival La Fete de Mai, Gesves, Belgium.
The village Gesves is famous for its horses, particularly the draft horse. The villagers used these horses to remove enormous tree trunks.
Ode to the draft horse consists of stacked logs of larch in two rows of two meters high. Together they form a narrow corridor,
which is more open and circular in the center.
In this circular space (where one can smell the recently cut lumber) they placed at the ends of the logs soft horse’s tails
made of colorful threads of jute and sisal.
The artwork is built along a narrow path that is covered with a canopy of trees and shrubs and runs between wheat and rapeseed fields.
Every hiker walking on the trail must pass through this sculpture.

 
 
 
 
 

AT HOME An installation by Akunzo for Open Sites | Art Terre 2014, Ploegsteert, Belgium.
Everywhere and in all circumstances, man is trying to create his own place.
The installation At Home is inspired by a photograph of men playing cards on a table in a trench
during the first world war. A strange domestic scene.
The spiral-shaped structure in the form of a snail shell is made of bricks and clay.
The building is two meters high. The exterior is rough and hermetic.
Inside, one discovers a scene of everyday life, a place for human life.
On the wall are pictures and a painting. Against the wall one can see a table and a chair.
On the table a dish, a spoon, a pair of glasses and an open book are ranked.
All of these prior known articles are covered with a thin layer of beeswax.
The wall is covered with a clay layer. In the clay seed pods of poppies are pressed.