This work was inspired by a newspaper clipping reporting a tragic event: 10,000 snow geese died after seeking shelter during a snowstorm in a flooded copper mine. Unbeknownst to them, the water in the mine was filled with toxic substances.

The sculpture presents a still and haunting image: a number of geese floating lifelessly underwater. Their posture is inspired by the still lifes of the Flemish master Jan Weenix, who arranged dead animals in his works with dramatic elegance.

The installation is based on the book Pluimgewicht, written by Vincent Van Meenen and Line Pillet, which tells the story of this heartbreaking event. The illustrations were created by Charlotte Severeyns and Dieter De Schutter.

This work was created in collaboration with KOP vzw and Het Debuut.