"Reliquiae" illuminates the striking increase in the construction of distribution

centers in the Netherlands. These imposing black structures often rise in

locations once adorned by forests, pastures or historic landmarks. The

installation presents a reliquary of a felled birch tree: nestled within a

distribution crate, the tree trunk lies atop a bed of packaging chips. Nestled

within the birch, a silver-encased capsule encloses and illuminates a relic with

LED lights, adorned with a plaque inscribed with the following words: In the

dirge of a chainsaw, this birch tree offered its final bow, *2008 † 2046.

Originating from research during a residency at Odapark (Venray, Limburg),

the piece delves into the proliferation of mega distribution centers in North

Limburg and their profound impact on landscapes and communities. I focused

in particular on a story of a catholic chapel in Limburg that was demolished to

make way for the expansion of one of the Netherlands' largest logistic

hotspots.

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''Reliquiae'' also reflects on the cyclical nature of history. Notably, many

ancient chapels are build on top of even older pagan sanctuaries, prompting

contemplation: does history repeat itself? Is a new 'religion'—that of

capitalism—again supplanting the old beliefs?

On the walls, silver-gilded mushrooms flourish. These shelf-fungi, renowned

for their ability to colonize diverse habitats, often thrive on dead or decaying

hardwood trees, fallen branches, and stumps.

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Photo's: Kai Werner Schmidt

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