(bring back love & creativity)
SPEYERS, The Netherlands (2024)
As belief in the future diminishes, myths about the past come to dominate. Whether or not motivated by fear of globalization, the national past is glorified. More than once this patriotism has led to war. But every war is a harmful interruption of progress and prosperity and therefore a giant leap back in time.
History turns into politics. While many can look back, few can look forward. Progress is a creative process like life itself and our only chance of existence. Since violence seems to be the monopoly of men, we need a more feminine take on the future. Instead of rolling tanks into the past, we should walk high heeled into the future.
The high heel pump is in fact a reference to the dove of peace, a dove with an olive branch in its beak, the international symbol and personification of peace. Doves, typically domestic pigeons white in plumage are often associated with peace, freedom or love.
The pump is (mother of pearl) white which represents enlightenment, goodness and innocence. Real feathers have been used referring to the dove of peace and to life. The olive branch of the dove is translated into the solid olive wood heel. A rising stiletto heel as if to distance itself from the muddy earth and its trenches. Trampled and lifeless, a tank hangs on the heel, pointed backwards, towards the past.
Video made by Indy Snel, Jefferson van den Broek & GL