(2024) An interactive artwork that contributes to the conversation around mental health. “The Altar of the Stranded” is part of the larger production “Het Behouden Huis” by Jort Faber.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 18:00
Location: De Haai, Visserseiland 214, 1621AA Hoorn
A few months ago, Jort Faber (known for productions such as “De Val van Hercules”) asked me to create an interactive artwork to accompany his new performance “Het Behouden Huis”, which will take place this October by the lake at De Haai in Hoorn. The artwork needed to contribute to the conversation around the moments in life when we feel stranded, those times when we just don’t know how to move forward. Here in the Netherlands, and especially here in West-Friesland, it seems we often find this a difficult subject to talk about. We’d rather pretend that everything is fine, keeping up appearances. The sad thing is that when you do struggle with mental health, it can make you feel like you’re the only one going through it. I speak from experience. The artwork is now finished, and I’ve called it “The Altar of the Stranded.”
The aim of this altar is to help break the taboos around mental health by creating a space where people can share their stories. First of all, because it can be a relief to leave your story somewhere, so you don’t have to carry it alone all the time. Secondly, because it helps us to see that we’re not alone in what we’re feeling. And thirdly, because it can open the door to conversations about these topics. You can contribute in a simple and accessible way by marking a small tally next to something you relate to. There’s also space to share your own story in the form of a short text or a drawing.
The altar will be standing outside, against the building of De Haai, from now until sometime in mid- November.
I warmly invite you, just like me and those who have come before you, to share your story with the altar. You can leave it there, so others can see they’re not alone, and might start a conversation. With love, STHOM
