Stofpluizen
In these days dust has a negative connotation: it will be carefully detected, swept on a shovel and thrown away. However, in the apparently worthless substance lies a hidden potential. The bible refers to it 157 times and it was used in many rituals as a symbol for the magic of life. It is also a physical reminder of everything that has ever happend at a specific location. Dust is also seen as an element of the industrial revolution, equivalent to the elements water, fire and air.
What does dust consist of?
Dust is a sumptuous accumulation of solid particles in the air, that you can find in every corner of the room. Being a residue of everything that has been there, dust can consist of human and animal cells, ashes from cigarettes, hair, sand, soot, mould, fibres and pollen. Every location is different and therefore the combination of dust is unique on its own. For this project Van Houten wants to put the topic of dust back on the map through an interactive installation and to teach visitors to have an open mind about worthless things in their environment. Dust is an intriguing product that looks spectacular when observed closer.
Deconstructing Dust
For the past few months Pavel van Houten collected dust of different location in Amsterdam, Mediamatic ETEN being one of them. All dust samples are carefully researched by a laboratory in Nagasaki Japan. The samples are treated with a variety of substances, cut in micrometer thin slices and coloured with the help of chemicals. This way it is possible to determine the different kinds of human, animal or non-living particles involved.
Stofpluizen at Mediamatic
From 17 till 24 October the Mediamatic dust particles will be highlighted in the restaurant of Mediamatic ETEN. With the help from a microscope, visitors will be able to see what lies hidden in our dusty corners.
Other Stofpluizen
Curious to learn more about the other 15 locations taking part in Stofpluizen?
The installation will also be on show in different locations such as the Old Church of Amsterdam, PEER, Kinki Kappers, Mediamatic, Expositieruimte De Punt, TOON and the This Art Fair in Beurs van Berlage. This project will take place during november to december 2016.
Information
Stofpluizen at Mediamatic - Pavèl van Houten
17 November - 24 November
Mediamatic ETEN, Dijkspark 6, Amsterdam
Thu - Fri: 09:00 - 24:00
Sat: 11:00 - 24:00 / Sun: 11:00 - 22:00
Mon - Wed: 09:00 - 22:00
For more information please check out the artist's website: pavelvanhouten.nl.
