Die Jagd / The Hunt, 1992–97
1:11 minutes, Video (VHS)

Before visitors enter the large exhibition space of Het HEM, they encounter the video The Hunt by Christian Jankowski. Driven by his primitive instincts, the artist goes hunting for his daily groceries in the supermarket. Equipped with a bow and arrow he heroically captures vegetables, fruit and an entire chicken wrapped in plastic. Until his quest to get close to nature is met with the unconcerned gaze of the checkout assistant, who nevertheless makes him pay for his trophies. The artwork forms a comical anecdote at the start of the exhibition and is a reflection of the small conflicts some of us feel when we walk through the supermarket. Did this pig have a joyful life? Does this tomato contain the nutritional value we need? And how do I move through life in a pure and honest way when I have so little grip on the actions of the big corporations that develop these products?