Response by Boudewijn Payens
Rhodes workshop “Imperishable water” in May 2011
To respond as an artist on the nature and the wetlands in particular, with this question in mind I came to Rhodes at the end of May.
Initially I got carried away by the many stories and impressions conveyed by the specialists. Visiting the various habitats showed to all of us the beauty of nature which exists on Rhodes.
But there was also the observation to be made that nature is under pressure, and that every moment of procrastination, it does mean irreversible loss.
There are several reasons for that and which are all also interconnected:
Dictates of the tourism industry. Random waste disposal. New constructions at unique locations. The construction of resorts in river basins. Intervention on the coastline for beach recreation. Limited research and unilateral decision-making in construction of waterworks and construction. Corruption and lack of knowledge. Political vagueness.
In short, it is clear that if no immediate response will be brought about, nature shall come under more pressure on Rhodes.
As to the economic field, the Greeks have been asked to implement reforms as there is a big responsibility to get control of nature-areas. Initially, this is a matter of reform in politics. But it starts as well with the people themselves. WWF and other organizations are already working hard on this.
When the inhabitants of the island see again the beauty of their island and not merely just as a unique property to be exploited, and know where the bottlenecks are as depicted, for example, by Nikos Kasseris in his presentation during the workshop, then awareness will grow and responsible administration will be in place.
Priorities
Clear political line on destination of land.
Awareness of values and individual responsibility.
Education.
Control.
What are the possibilities of the group and my role as an artist?
I have given the group a picture in the form of a joint action. We built a stairway with ice, which symbolizes our partnership. During the conference, the ice melted and formed a small stream of water.
Each person can see this image as a reflection of his own approach.
For me, it symbolizes the magnitude of the problem.
On the one hand, the ice makes possible to bring water to places where it is effective. On the other hand, research and actions like the one with the ice will quickly disappear when not acted upon immediately.
For further images of the action with ice, see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HaV1MUpJWY
I see opportunities to work with students who carry out projects on the island to develop new insights and awareness, as briefly done by Insa in her sculpture project, and by myself in the empty river- bed and at the lake, which, thanks to the rain, remains in everyone's memory.
I thank everyone for a great contribution and positive energy, and look forward to cooperate.
Amsterdam, June 23, 2011
Boudewijn Payens
H2 rhOdes!!!
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