Long ago, when the animals still spoke…

…a group of strange and mysterious creatures filled the fort. Frogs danced on teapots, figures adorned with antlers crawled around tied to ropes, and anthropomorphic beings roamed the halls in search of meaning and mischief.

For millennia, we have sought to make sense of ourselves, one another, and the unknown through stories. We imagine distant realms inhabited by other life forms, and conjure mythical beings—tricksters, storytellers, and deities.  Legends, myths, sagas, and fables rich with metaphor and omen offer glimpses into the human condition. With the help of drawings, paintings, and other visual interpretations, we also expand our collective memory and imagination.

The exhibition When the animals still spoke explores storytelling as a source of inspiration for contemporary artists. With references to allegorical and animistic traditions, it invites us to the edge of history, fiction, and possible futures, encouraging us to reimagine our connection to myth and more-than-human life.

With:

Warre Mulder (BE),
Toni Brell (DE),
Luna Konings (NL),
Hannah Meijer (NL),
Jesse Fischer (NL),
… and others

Finissage
Sunday, September 14
14:00 – 17:00h

Programme:

14:00 Short closing words from the Kunstfort: di­rector Ra­biaâ Ben­lahbib (15 min)
14:15 Track-hunting with Hannah Meijer (30 min)
14:35 Reading from her own work on the re­turn of the wolf: Marjan Slob (20 min)
15:00 Join a his­tor­ical walk in and around the fort (75 min)
15:00 Artist talk: Marjan Slob in con­ver­sa­tion with Jesse Fis­cher (30 min)
15:40 Visit the studio of Warre Mulder in the Ge­nieloods (20 min)
16:15 Per­for­mance by Toni Brell & Toni Stef­fens (45 min)

In honor of Open Monument Day, historical tours will also take place at 13:30  and 15:00. (duration 75 min.)

Festive Opening
Sunday, August 3
14:00 – 17:00h

Programme:

14.00 opening words by Rabiaâ Benlahbib
14.15 intervention by Toni Brell
15.00 conversation with Warre Mulder
16.00 performance Puk van de Wouw to Jesse Fischer’s work

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