The Project Avec Toi could be seen on the 4th and 5th of September 2021 at Amuse van Hier tot Ginder in Okkenbroek. The project contains three sculptures that were spread out and hidden over the location. The project focusses on the interaction between two people who love each other. How they comfort or protect each other, how they share things with each other and how they embrace each other.
The project was at a group camping site called Oostermaet and it was made specifically for this location. When we, the participating AKI students, were at the location for the first time, a few details stood out for me. There was a hut made from branches and a well that was almost completely overgrown, but there was also a bench. This bench was at the edge of an open field and was placed there for the 50-year anniversary of Geert and Riky Obdeijn. I started thinking about what it would be like to be together with someone for 50 years, and how people who love each other so much would interact.
Avec Toi contains three sculptures that were spread out over the location. Each sculpture was at a place that really stood out for me when I was there. Little places that felt like I had discovered them, as if I had found an idea that I could put in my pocket and take with me. The sculptures each consist of two elements that fit perfectly in each other but can also be taken apart: this symbolises the individuals in a relationship. The three sculptures are abstract representations of an embrace, sharing something and comforting or protecting your partner.
When I was at Amuse van Hier tot Ginder on Sunday, I met the daughter of Geert and Riky Obdeijn, Paulien. She told me about her parents and how the bench ended up there. It is an old family tradition to camp at the site every year, and where else could they have placed such a special bench than on a place that has so many good memories tied to it?
Paulien also talked about how a specific sculpture touched her. Her mother has dementia, and the family has to make a difficult choice: if Riky has to be inscribed for a healthcare facility, because as soon as she is at the top of the list she has to move out. In this decision Geert, who is now 90 years old, placed his hand on Riky’s back and said that as long as he is healthy enough, he wants to keep his wife with him. For Paulien, the arm around the house symbolises this beautiful decision of her father.
On the 9th of October I met Geert in Riky in real life. It was a very nice afternoon where we talked and had a cup of coffee or tea. Geert had a lot of beautiful stories to tell about objects that he has collected through the years. The love between Geert and Riky and the care they have for each other was very visible. My boyfriend was also with me and at a certain point Geert made a comment about how you must take good care of each other. I noticed that the small things, like remembering when your partner normally wants coffee or tea, are the most beautiful in a relationship. Because these small things make sure you remind each other how much you love each other.
8 November 2021
don’t think anything