As we approach a major milestone for the ArchivorumArk project, things are picking up pace. By the end of June, we are due to present to the EU a critical publication draft, accompanying images and a comprehensive report detailing the work I have done so far with Babs Haenen and the ArchivorumArk initiative.
The draft of the critical publication is steadily taking shape, and I am feeling positive about meeting the deadline. One of the most exciting parts of the process has been working with the ten voices—contributors whose insights are essential to the narrative we are building. After Babs kindly introduced me to them, I began reaching out to discuss the texts linked to each person. I will not reveal names just yet, but I can say that, certainly, each of them plays a significant role in the contemporary art world.
After reviewing and correcting the texts, the next step is to enrich the writing, making it more engaging and reflective of the powerful connections between Babs’s work and the themes we are exploring. Right now, I am rereading the notes and material I collected during my four visits to Babs’s studio and home. One additional text that I want to include, will be showing the parallelism between the movement of her artworks and the rhythms of nature—from stillness to turbulence. I am, also, exploring how the emotional currents she experienced – while creating specific pieces – are embedded in the forms. I believe this perspective will add depth and resonance to the publication and show just how deeply nature influences her artistic practice.
Production Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum.Inspired by H.P. Berlag
Another essential phase I am now tackling is the preparation for the recording of the ten voices’ interviews, which will be featured in the publication via QR codes (as I mentioned in a previous blog post). Babs generously shared the locations of the voices, which allowed me to start compiling a list of potential recording studios near each of them for the Archivorum team to select.
At first, I thought this task would be manageable—certainly not easy, but not too hard either. However, reality quickly proved otherwise. Some regions were wonderfully responsive. I received enthusiastic replies, especially from people who were personally connected to Babs—some of them had even acquired her artworks in the past, and their eagerness to participate was touching.
But two regions have been particularly challenging. In some cases, I couldn’t even get anyone to pick up the phone even after 10 calls (!) since there were some emails unanswered. I am still hoping to find suitable studios close to the contributors, so we can make the process easier for everyone. Fingers crossed, they will be open to the options I propose.
Undoubtedly, this is a journey that continues to surprise and challenge me, but I am committed to making this publication as rich and meaningful as Babs’s work deserves. More updates soon!