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de grounds of Article 1
op welke grond
dan ook
All who are in the Netherlands are treated equally in equal cases. Discrimination ... on any ground whatsoever, is not allowed.
How do you experience the most important principle of the Constitution? The starting point of this project was the word “ground. Each ground (which translates to soil in Dutch) has its own color, structure and composition, exactly like the different people and cultures in Overijssel.
For the Province of Overijssel, which was looking for a physical manifestation of Article 1, we offer the opportunity to physically walk onto the different grounds (soils) for a short moment. This creates a possibility to reflect daily on the meaning of the principle of equality of Article 1.
More important than the grounds are the people for which the constitution is written. Together with photographer Tom Philip Janssen, we traveled through the province to meet these people. Eleven hospitable Overijsselians joined us in conversation about their personal experiences with the equality mentioned in Article 1. Personally, we were confronted with the facts; there is still much room for improvement in our society.
‘Op welke grond dan ook’ has been realized in May 2023, and opened with Thorbecke's 175th anniversary. The artwork can be experienced by all at the Overijssel provincial government building in Zwolle, where it is placed in the floor.
artwork in the floor
design with Overijsselians
To express Article 1, we find it essential to visit the people whom it concerns. After all, as white men, are not too affected by discrimination. Our conversations with Overijsselians are poignant, people actively set up their lives to deal with discrimination. This underlines the importance of the anti-discrimination law in our Constitution.
The final work, laid in the floor of the County Hall, specifically includes the birthgrounds (soil of birth in Dutch) of these people. We felt it was important to present a community owned project. It was special to see how open and welcoming the people of Overijssel were which participated in the project, a special thanks to them.
The accompanying portrait series has been published in book form and can be viewed on the website.
a hole in the floor
The result is an experience that cannot be avoided, in the center of the reception hall. There lie the Overijssel soils, fixed for eternity, under glass to be experienced. Anyone on their way to work, having an appointment or visiting is forced to pause for a moment to reflect on Article 1.
It was quite a challenge, a piece of walkable glass suitable for daily County Hall traffic weighs at least half a ton. But supported by heavy steel beams, the whole installation is now safely placed in the floor, where it will remain for the foreseeable future.
