Destination Undefined
As foreigners to the Netherlands we noticed, researched and discussed our findings in regards to the hostility of public spaces, that seemed to be characterized and visualized by hostile architecture, as well as our individual and societal role in this.. While reflecting on this, we came to the conclusion that this uninviting environment was a reflection of the society itself within the city of Rotterdam.
We found that this social set up lacked the vital presence of empathy towards some of the most vulnerable people within our society: the homeless.
This is where we chose to outline our research topic. By looking at what hardships are born when home is defined as a liminal space and not a destination as experienced by the homeless.
In collaboration with Joe Loubser
You do not belong here.
the part of us we wish to ignore
we have become hostile by nature.
that which we cannot accept as our own we wish to discard
we do not see you,
we do not want to.
closed our eyes, closed our hearts.
hostility festers within us
home
thoughtlessly traded with belonging
no destination, no recognition
a life gone unnoticed,
a voice blurred
unheard.
shattered shards of finality
scattered at your feet
no entrance or exit to the eternal expanse of existence.
lodged into a crevice of abandonment,
forced into a magnitude of suffocation.
a latitude of confinement.
destination turned liminal.
dismissed, disregarded, dishonest
our hearts closed off,
closed off from fear.
fear you will infect us,
infect us with helplessness and shame.
the more we see
the more we deny.
deny, defend, destroy.
we destroy you, so not to destroy ourselves,
destroyed from impending guilt.
watch with eyes closed
so we do not endure the suffering.
the recoil of our own creation.
left to bear our burdens.
alone.