In the Netherlands we like to sit on dry land, safely behind the dikes, but how long can this last with a rising sea level? De Onkruidenier speculates about a salty future with their installation Relearning Aquatic Evolution (2022) in Chapter 5IVE. They developed various exercises and objects to adapt our bodies to the sea. Together with the public they trained on the mudflats during Oerol festival at Terschelling in June 2022. On 27 August they bring these experiences to Het HEM and invite you to join them.

At 16:44 exactly on 27 August, during low tide, we adapt to the circadian rhythm of the sea. In an interactive performance, visitors dive into de Onkruidenier’s SWEET – SWEAT research together with the artists. Various stories will be shared on the research and the installation will be set in motion. Together we investigate a new body language with which we embrace the dynamics of the sea. Are we able to find this cadence in our body, when we echo the waves of the OCEEEAAAAAN with our tongue? Do we put the water to our lips, do we gasp for breath or do we train the elasticity of our lungs?

Conclude the performance appropriately: activate your mouth as a test environment with different flavours from the ecotone of the coast during a 5 course dinner at Restaurant Bois in Het HEM, developed together with de Onkruidenier. Taste the intertwining of sweet and salty and the various plants that de Onkruidenier has come across in their research and has gathered for Arvid Schmidt and his team to use to prepare the dinner.

The performance starts at 16:44 with a walk in at 16:30 and a duration of approximately one hour.

Language Dutch (basic translation in English possible)