Making Something Warm and Alive, 2021

Performative wax-workshop, collaboration with Lieselot Versteeg



Krelis Louwenstraat 10C/ 2022


It was in May this year, just after the restrictions had lightened up life a little, that we got the idea for our first event. After having built a loft in our new studio entirely from pieces of wood we had found in the streets, we wanted to celebrate. We invited some friends over for a studiowarming with drinks and candle making.

That evening, we formed a group that followed the proceedings of a technique. Mesmerized by how the increasing temperature changed the viscosity of the material, we witnessed it changing from one thing into another. In the rhythm of dipping wicks in the hot wax, we found ourselves talking about paying bills and integrating into Dutch society. Gathered around the boiling potion, conversations started drifting between new material inventions, and realities as we had known them before.

As our attention started to split, new creatures arose from the gap that appeared. Some of us were shocked by what took shape. There were tumors, animals, and ghosts. They had body parts. They gained vision and acquired voices. They spoke to us. We spoke to them. A new world was melting together.

With this ritual, we want to create opportunities for new companions both to participate, and take form.



Mark