On Wednesday evening, April 15, at Theater Zuidplein, presented Colonial Collective Now & Then the sketch design for a new memorial. In the presence of Alderman Faouzi Achbar, Chairman Vijay Gangadin announced that for the sketch design Generations has been chosen from artist Felix Kops.
The collective is a unique collaboration of thirteen descendants who eventually settled in Rotterdam as a result of the Dutch colonial past. The initiators are Glenn Sabajo, Tasha Slagtand, Shoot Zijlstra, Gordon Sana, Renette Sastrowidjojo, Carla Tjon, Liam Chang Njoek Joen, Yung Lie, Glenn Haulussy, Dewi Reijs, Tenny Tenzer, Mahender Autar, and Vijay Gangadin. In collaboration with BKOR, they launched the open call in late 2024. Shared history connects Rotterdammers today. After careful consideration, the group has opted for the further development of the sketch design by Felix Kops entitled Generations.
"The design does not prescribe a fixed narrative but leaves room. Room to look together, to commemorate from a place of equality in the present. Its presentation appears fresh and magical, is connecting and inviting," said the collective.
Work of art
Generations It consists of an aesthetic stainless steel flower shape with roots winding upwards from the base, unfolding into a blooming top. The roots represent the ancestors and the past. The top visualizes the new generations. Programmable LED lights refer to celestial bodies in the evening view. The base of the work forms a seating area and also accommodates flowers and small offerings. The artwork will be placed in the public space between Theater Zuidplein and the new station hall.
While the past remains palpable, it resonates Generations what the collective stands for: making history visible, holding the conversation in the present, and daring to look forward to the future together.
Artist
Felix Kops (1983) is an interdisciplinary artist with roots on four continents: Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. He traveled along the routes of (post-)slavery to explore his Creole and Chinese family history. Together with his sister, singer Anne-Fay, he created the music album about this. REASPORAThe eponymous theatre show was nominated for the BNG Bank Theatre Prize. Recently, Felix Kops presented the monumental light artwork. Skywalk that can also be found in the public space of Rotterdam South.
Under the guidance of BKOR and the Municipality of Rotterdam, the sketch design is being developed into a final design. The final completion of the artwork is scheduled before the summer of 2027.
