Rosenblatt Arena, 1994

Exhibition in Rheda Wiedenbrueck, Germany.

32 pieces of canvas; each 1.50m x 1.70m / 59" x 67"

The Rose-Petal Arena works with the opposite element of the park (see also Kreuzung). Located in a geometrically shaped rose garden, it reflects on the encounter of any visitor with a cultivated garden as a contemplative setting in the city.

In a construction of metal poles and a central Pavillon-structure I installed 32 large pieces of canvas, forming a half circle with a full circle in its centre, at one end of the garden. Each of the canvases was 150cm x 170cm in size and painted on both sides in what I call a classic rose-red colour. Green strings fastened to the top edge of the canvases held them in place, so that they hang free and were able to be moved by wind. As well, for any person it was no problem to move them in order to pass through as if pushing a curtain to the side. The piece interfered with the paths that visitors had to take in order to cross the garden for a walk through different areas of the park.

With the Rose Petal Arena I reacted against the meticulously structured and ordered rose-beds, all bearing signs that informed you about the name, size, colour, and specific qualities of a certain type of rose, all accompanied by a general definition of the garden as a place where you can enjoy the "natural" beauties of the flower.

My Rose Petal Arena was meant to open people's eyes - literally - because of the size of the installation and the impact that it had on the space - metaphorically - as it reminded of the fact that we try to tame nature in order to have it fit our sense and taste of beauty.

The piece worked through a language of signs as well as the moment of experience, being surrounded by large, red rectangular shapes that perfectly integrated into the surrounding and created a poetic atmosphere playing with wind and movement, sun and shadow.

The Rose Petal Arena signifies our way of looking at nature through "cultivated" eyes. It visualizes the two complementary elements that form the entity of a garden - a symbiosis of natural and cultural elements, reassuring our sense of being within the world.