Soldiers in a casemate would be bored for hours but had to be alert all at once the threat of a fight occured. The tension between these two states of mind can be felt in Marcelle van Bemmel's installation. The visitor knows that something is going to happen, but does not know when, because the pauses between the action vary.
Over the length of a dark space a wide strip of water is created. Six life size figures which are stylized in a way that reminds us of warriors on antique Greek vases are lighted in a fast pace which makes us believe a man jumps over the canal. It happens so quickly that one would wonder if one had really seen it happen. In the dark is the sound of a low voice and from time to time the scream of a crow. The reflection in the water suggest a dizzy making depth. the bow of the jump repeats the rounding of the arch.
Fort Ellewout was built in 1830, during the time the Belgiums fought for their independence from the Netherlands. At the opposite border of the estuary stood a similar fort and together they controlled the passway to Antwerp. But the skirmish was over before the forts were completed.
The installation was part of the exhibition Nederland - België België - Nederland.
Flamish and Dutch artist participated. Curator: John Blaak.
