The impressive outdoor artwork “Be Longing” by internationally renowned artist Michael Rakowitz was unveiled in The Hague’s Molenvliet Park earlier this year. The artist was inspired by archaeological discoveries near Molenvliet Park.
Rakowitz’s artwork consists of seven objects spread throughout Molenvliet Park. Among them, a wheel, a jug, and a roof tile were constructed from hundreds of ceramic shards, with input from residents playing a key role in the artistic process. During communal dinners, ceramic tableware from residents of The Hague, Rijswijk, and Voorburg was collected. The shards of this tableware are incorporated into the objects and symbolize the cultural wealth of the city.
“The title of the artwork, Be Longing, is about feeling at home. How do you make a new or old place your home? How do you create a city together? You do this by bringing something from the past, from your previous home, into the future, into your new surroundings, your house, and your life. A true work of art by, for, and of The Hague. Because there are many people here who contributed to the work. Residents of The Hague donated ceramics, who cooked with us, built with us, and shared their ideas with the artist ,” said Mayor Van Zanen at the unveiling.
Ancient finds
The art project originated with the construction of the Rotterdamsebaan road. The large-scale archaeological excavations on the Molenvlietpark side provided the inspiration for the outdoor artwork. Archaeologists from the municipality of The Hague discovered centuries-old Roman and other cultural artifacts in the soil beneath the park and the Rotterdamsebaan road. Rakowitz recreated seven of these artifacts in large format.
A work of art full of layers
The title “Be Longing” carries multiple meanings: the longing for a home, the feeling of homesickness, and the desire to belong. This layering is reflected in both the creation and the meaning of the work. It serves as a unifying symbol in a city where more than half of the residents have a migration background. “A city where everyone feels at home is something you create together,” says artist Michael Rakowitz, who himself is of Iraqi-American descent.
The artwork can be seen Molenvlietpark in The Hague. For more information: https://bkdh.nl/kunstwerken/be-longing/
Cooperation
The artwork was commissioned by the municipality of The Hague, in collaboration with Stroom Den Haag. Several local organizations were involved. “Be Longing” is a significant new addition to The Hague’s international public art collection, which also includes works by artists such as Huang Yong Ping and James Turrell. More information about these artworks can be found at www.bkdh.nl