The Gardens of Doesburg

Gardening is an activity that demands undivided attention, peace, and concentration. Nature determines the path; you surrender to it and relax. In theory at least.

Doesburg’s gardens appear neat and trimmed at first glance, but each has its own peculiarities. An absurd video in which residents talk about their gardens and gardens talk about their residents. We don’t get to see any of the residents. We look at shrubs, trees and other plants that take on personalities after being personified by a piece of clothing or a personal item from their owner. 

When Doesburg residents talk passionately about their gardens, they unconsciously reflect on their way of life. They frequently turn out to be just as irrepressible as nature, and the contradictions that characterize our relationship with nature soon emerge. While one person works constantly in the garden to minimize maintenance, another prefers to let nature take its course as much as possible, though not without having a clear plan in mind. I want to see hedgehogs around here, as one local put it. That would represent our ultimate victory: Show the world what our combined efforts have accomplished.

HD Video 13’57”

 

Commissioned by MIR Project