By Itself

The idea is to build a wall using soil as a base for planting cabbages.

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

In an intimate space, two videotapes are projected side by side. One tape focuses on the repetition of the scene where the wall collapses. The other tape documents the entire working process, capturing the extended duration and progression of the project.

Technical advice from Bert Ghysels, who collaborated on the realisations of the project, with the support of Joëlle Wilssens, Hans Thielman, Ward Denys, Pieter Vermeersch, Stefan Maenen, Merlin Spie and Marc Nagtzaam

Video by Jos De Gruyter, photography by Hans Thielman