In 2007 the municipality Nijefurd commissioned Ruth Vulto Gaube to manufacture a monument honoring the members
of the resistance movement during World War II.
Part of the mission was that the monument would be made out of three large stones, worked out together with
the pupils of the Workumer upper elementary school classes.
Ruth Vulto Gaube wrote about her design: "A monument based on three stones offers the opportunity of making three stages of human life visible: suppression – resistance – freedom. Resistance is the main stage and the center between the state of oppression and the state of freedom".
Suppression
Looking at the relations of forces, the balance between inside and outside, suppression is a condition in which
the force from outside is stronger than the inner strength. There is a strong imbalance, while the inner strength
is stuck in a kind of forced passivity. The form is hunched, closed. There is potential, but it can not develop.
Resistance
At the stage of resistance, activity prevails. The inner strength starts to move and defies the external force.
It straightens it´s back and challenges the oppressor - an unstable balance between the two forces.
If the resistance becomes too strong, it turns into oppressive aggression - is it too weak, the oppression from
the outside will continue. The shape of the form is dynamic and begins to unfold. Development takes place,
but the form still remains relatively closed to prevent it from being too vulnerable.
Freedom
To me, freedom is a state of complete harmony. The more delicate balance of the previous stage is internalized and
leads to stability. Forces inside and outside correspond with each other. A good relationship between these two
creates a safe environment that allows full development.
The shape is upright and fully deployed but just like freedom itself it remains in a fragile and vulnerable state.
Out of the suppression
Daring to resist
Heading to freedom
In memory of the members of the Workum Resistance movement
I would like to express my huge enthusiasm for this project. In my opinion it is important to always remember and honor the courage and commitment of the Workum resistance and thereby resistance against oppression and violence in general.
The message of art in public space is much better understood when you are involving the people for whom it is meant.
Children are serious partners in experiencing and producing art.
The involvement of children, in who lies the future of our society, is for me the essence of this monument.
Through this, not only the stone and the location where the monument stands has been given shape during this project. Also the consciousness of these young people has changed over the two years of intensive work. This project created an opportunity to learn from history and understand main principles. This is the foundation for a better future.
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geluidsfragment Radio Friesland
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