MONUMENT SERIES: 2003/4

When we were children

This collection of shadow monuments has the collective title When we were children
(The series consists of nine works and is done in a limited edition of 5 works each.)

The base of the shadow monuments is the profile of the Voortrekker Monument.

These are monuments (images and experiences) from my childhood or, for certain reasons, not part of my life then, but part of my life now. The collection of shadow monuments is my personal process of recognising these images and experiences in my effort to balance them.

Commissioning public monuments is a way of remembering the past and dealing with it. At the moment South Africa is dealing with the past by erecting new monuments and pulling down or relocating old ones.

On a personal level, each one of us has a collection of little monuments (recollections) of the past. Experiences, images, and stories that are forever erected in the landscape of your being (our minds?). To find the balance in the present, we have to balance these personal monuments of the past. They cannot be ignored, erased, or destroyed.

  • Put your body on the (2004)

    When I was young the expression “put your body on the line” meant that I had to play 110% for my rugby team to secure a win. For Hector Petersen and so many other young children this phrase had a totally different meaning and result.

    (H 275 x W 200 x D 100 mm) All editions sold

  • Pro Patria (2004)

    Many young boys in South Africa did national service for their Fatherland (Pro Patria), but on opposite sides.

    (H 258 x W 180 x D 100 mm) All editions sold

  • Pro Patria II (2004)

    Many young boys in South Africa did national service for their Fatherland (Pro Patria), but on opposite sides.

    (H 260 x W 180 x D mm)

  • Church (2004)

    (H 220 x W 200 x D 100 mm)

  • Good morning, neighbour (2004)

    (H 258 x W 180 x D 100 mm)

  • Viva (2004)

    (H 273 x W 150 x D 100 mm)

  • Monuments (2004)

    (H 225 x W 150 x D 100 mm)

  • Games

    When I was young we used to play bok-bok and had no understanding why so many children had to run anxiously away from danger

    (H 202 x W 240 x D 100 mm) All editions sold

  • Tent of tears (2004)

    (H 166 x W x D 100 mm)