Collection

Collection
2004
Hard-shell protection parts originating from various sport uniforms, visual sorted

Collecting is considered to be very personal and in the process of selecting we also reveal a lot of our self. Rules or method are usually formulated during active search, some type of limitation is a natural part of an individual's selection process. Most artist are also collectors and it is not only about the possession of certain items but its always hints towards a work in progress. I have several such collecting projects; usually it takes me years before some actual work originates out of these. It is also acquired knowledge in this activity that I find valuable, one gets to know the whole lifecycle starting from the producers, facilitators, users and the final steps of disposing or recycling methods. I work a lot with items originating from the field of sports and have often hinted towards finding sponsors in the industry that could shortcut the collecting process but somehow I like the feel of an authentic find. I dig the authenticity of a well worn out soccer ball or a merciless battered protector plate having survived years of heavy impact by collision of players or other objects.
So this work consists of authentic wear gutted out of helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, mouth guard, protective gloves, heavily padded shorts, a 'jock' athletic protector, shin pads, chest protector, neck guards, face masks and specialized equipment designed to protect the player in action.