CONCEPT
My contribution to the exhibition series 'Lichthaus Plus Neue Kunst' is dedicated to a so far neglected section of the Gröpelingen population, namely the dogs. Essential for the well-being of these fellow inhabitants is the appropriate satisfaction of their neccesities of life and desire for freedom of movement. Especially for them, I designed an obstacle course comprising seven tasks. For the adequate performance of these tasks, man and dog should cooperate closely.
As an uncompetitive game, the course offers dog owners the opportunity of low-stress recreation. The facility offers dogs full scope for mental and physical development. Furthermore, the course enables both dogs and dog owners to meet like-minded creatures and exchange canine experiences on various levels.
In order to tie in with the recent industrial history of Gröpelingen I linked my obstacles with seven concepts from the shipbuilding or shipping trade. The order of the concepts / obstacles corresponds with the course of life of a ship.
I hope that my obstacle course will bring representatives of the two- and four legged Gröpelingen community closer together and that it will encourage them to lead a more interactive future life.
Arnold Schalks, Rotterdam, February 17, 2002.