When the Lightness of Poetry
Alfredo Jaar, David Lamelas, Roman Ondak, Rory Pilgrim, 2009
When the Lightness of Poetry was a poetic and multidisciplinary art event in the heart of Rotterdam, held in September 2009. Invited by Sculpture International Rotterdam, curator Germaine Kruip brought together an international group of artists to create surprising interventions in public space. Central to the event was the power of poetry — not only through text, but through experience, sound, and gesture.
For the occasion, Alfredo Jaar presented his film The Ashes of Pasolini in a specially constructed cinema on the Coolsingel. Roman Ondák created Lucky Day, transforming the classic fountain De Maagd van Holland into a moment of collective hope, with a performer repeatedly tossing coins into the water for good luck. David Lamelas brought the concept of time to life with a living clock of passersby who “passed on the time” every sixty seconds. Rory Pilgrim assembled a choir that performed a specially written song each day in the City Hall on the Coolsingel.
The various works were not only visually captivating but also offered moments of stillness, reflection, and connection within the city. By bringing poetry literally to life in public space, When the Lightness of Poetry demonstrated how art can soften and enrich the urban environment.
Mothership acted as curator, oversaw the participation process, coordinated, and executed the project.
