Louisa Vergozisi - DE ARCADE

2024

During De Arcade (The Arcade), a one-week residency organised by FLUJAS Collectief, I had the chance to work with 14 other artists at Abdij Ulingsheide, a former monastery in Tegelen (NL).

Throughout the week, I explored the various facets of the building. Some areas were inhabited, emanating warmth and the smell of cooked food, while others were completely abandoned, desolate, and imbued with remnants of religious practices.

I became captivated by the location, its history, and the stark contrasts, as well as by the other participating artists. The circumstances encouraged experimentation and new discoveries.

Two works emerged from this experience: MAGNOLIA & ANNE.

MAGNOLIA / Prints on paper / In collaboration with Lola Schot & Nanet Hazenbosch.

At the heart of the monastery complex lies a small, abandoned garden, home to a large magnolia tree planted approximately 60 years ago. I found it remarkably coincidental that a magnolia, symbolising feminine energy, was situated in the midst of a male monastery.

ANNE / Vertical video with sound, duration / 4min. and 30 sec. / In collaboration with Sarah Soethoudt & René Verberne.

This short video shows two women engaged in a physical altercation in an absurd and humorous manner. One woman represents the mature adult navigating daily life, while the other symbolizes the inner child striving to break free from internal suppression.