Staying Together in the Earth for a While

Two visitors have the opportunity to share a unique experience of being together in the earth. The centrepiece is a floating parcel, an elaborate block of earth decorated with flowers and supported by a sturdy metal plate. This structure, weighing approximately 0.8 tonnes, is suspended by four steel cables anchored to the wall. Beneath the block, two hidden openings invite visitors to stand at the same time. As they enter the openings, a step adjusts to their height, allowing their heads to enter and disappear into the earth.

Work plan:

• collect the soil, clay and potting compost

• weigh and mix the three components, making sure they are well mixed

• add water to achieve the desired consistency

• transport the mixture to the site where the wall will be built

• build a strong internal structure to support the weight of the large mass of soil

• systematically build a frame around the internal structure to ensure it is strong and secure

• fill the frame with the soil mixture, layer by layer, compacting and tamping it to create a solid and stable wall

• allow the tamped soil mix to dry to ensure it is firm and stable

• carefully remove the frame, leaving the solid wall of soil in place

Made with the support of the Flemish Community and technical advice from Bert Ghysels and Util, who collaborated on the realisation of the project, with the support of Hans Thielman, Stefan Maenen and Jos De Gruyter

Photography (figures 80 x 60 cm) by Hans Thielman