Arnout Meijer

'Dubbelglas'

September 10 - October 22, 2023

opening: Sunday 10 September 16.00 hrs


For the exhibition 'Dubbelglas' (Double Glazing)  Arnout Meijer questions the double morality of creation and destruction inherent in design. They seem to be opposite pursuits, but the current ecological situation shows that creation is also destruction. Whether it is mined, cut down, carved out or expropriated, material is sacrificed for every design. And a manufacturing process not only creates a product, but also several residual flows. We celebrate creation. But what often remains invisible is the destruction.

The works in 'Dubbelglas' bring hidden and concealed remnants to the surface. Engravings have been made in windows from demolished buildings and discarded shards from a glass factory that refer among others to the moon, for Meijer, a symbol of an undamaged landscape. The drawing in the glass is illuminated with parts of discarded appliances. The fragments are enclosed in wooden constructions sawn from old beams and 'dead stock' plinths left from demolished museum exhibits.

But Meijer realizes that he cannot fulfill his utopian desire to create without destruction. Every act of making consumes something. ‘Dubbelglas’ is the tragic reflection that as creative beings we always produce destruction.