With the theme ‘Wild Earth’, we challenge artists to focus on the physical earth of the Vloethemveld as a deep, resilient memory. The ground beneath our feet is not neutral; it is a living archive that refuses to forget. The scars of successive land uses and conflicts are literally etched into it. This theme is tangible, material and, at times, dangerously topical: from the Vossenbarm, which cuts through the landscape like a historical scar, to the munitions that are still occasionally unearthed to this day. Even the elements react: when the ponds run dry in a hot summer, any remaining phosphorus munitions come into contact with oxygen and the ground literally starts to smoke again.

De opdracht

For a new, temporary initiative in the two green barracks (Zedelgem reception square), we are seeking artists who take this area as their starting point. We are looking for works that capture the soul of this place: material, tangible and multi-layered. How do you translate the historical scars, the forces of nature or the hidden stories into visual art?

Whether it concerns the medieval land reclamation works of St John’s Hospital, the heritage of the former munitions depot or the rare flora that now flourishes amongst the historic structures: we are looking for your artistic interpretation of this ‘Wild Earth’.