November 6, 2014
In mountain countries, such as Nepal and Bolivia, natural stones and large pebbles are piled up by pedestrians. This way turrets are being formed and will continuously grow. Occasionally stones fall off, then a passer-by puts them back or builds on the new piles that are arising this way. One of the uses of these turrets is that they show, even if it has snowed, how people can continue their path. This “joint building” idea intrigues Petra tremendously and it is one of the main starting points for Take my Knowledge. “We will have to build together to continue and find our path.”
In the sculpture she built with layers instead of with stones. Each layer got its own meaning, and all together they create a firm base for Take My Knowledge.
The first layer of the sculpture refers to the earth; processing soil and agriculture. It is related to the Wageningen University’s foundation.
In the following layer literacy is expressed. Therefore the letters of the name of the first female professor at the University of Wageningen, Mien Visser, are used to inspire women to follow her footsteps.
In addition you will find a number of spiral shapes in this layer. Those spirals in different skin tones stand for the international character of the University and refer to growth, progress and development. The spiral shape itself is found in many cultures in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
The third layer is open so it is possible to see through the sculpture; in order to be able to make a change, an open attitude is needed.
The upper part of the dress can be viewed in detail. You will discover structures that could exist in nature, such as cells, seeds, leaves, etcetera. It refers to the knowledge and experience of this talented woman.
In an exhibition a couple of years ago a boy came to the artist and asked: “Madam, why does this lady have the brains outside of her head?”. Petra found this such a genius idea that she used a brain-structure for the hat of this work. She shows her intelligence on the outside. In her hand she displays an object with the same structure, that symbolizes a piece of knowledge.
So take her knowledge, she offers it to you!
