Art-i-choke
Legend has it that Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens was built on an artichoke field, gifted by a medieval ‘hortillons’ who cultivated the fertile soil of the Hortillonnages. In return, a statue of the farmer was placed on its façade. But the artichoke only arrived in France centuries later—late 15th/early 16th century—and the cathedral was built between 1220 and 1269, making this legend an early case of "fake news."
Niels Albers’ installation for the festival is inspired by the artichoke’s form—its layered leaves mirrored in a contemplative structure. Located on one of the smallest islands in the Étang de Clermont, this artwork invites visitors to reflect on the stories we tell, the importance of fact-checking, and the evolving nature of culture.
The site looks wild, yet is entirely shaped by human hands. This contrast between nature and cultivation lies at the heart of this work. Step onto the upper platform and consider: what is native, what is beauty, and how do we shape the world?
Thank you
#RoodKok #BartSchalekamp #DoyDekkers #NathalieVallée #EmmanuelleBernaux #NandaJanssen #ArielPeper
#art #woodensculpture #artinpublicspace #artichoke #fakenews #amiens #island #farmers #contemplation #contemplationplatform #festoolfan
Peo Karlsson
Niels Albers
Max Leiß
