Looking back on the finissage of When the animals still spoke

On Sunday, 14 September, we gathered one last time at Kunstfort Vijfhuizen for the festive finissage of When the animals still spoke. The afternoon was filled with reflections, encounters, and a warm closing ritual to mark the end of the summer season.

Director Rabiaâ Benlahbib opened the day with words on the stories and myths that guided the exhibition. Soon after, Hannah Meijer (@hannah_meijer) led a playful trail of clues across the fort’s grounds, inviting visitors to uncover hidden traces and connections.

Inside, former Philosopher Laureate of the Netherlands Marjan Slob read from her work on the return of the wolf, in dialogue with Luna Konings’ (@loenmoen) installation, before entering a conversation with Jesse Fischer (@fisjes) on myths, symbols, and the search for new forms of spiritual connection:

“If we feel that we can not only hunt, but also be hunted, if we touch that realization, then there is only one candidate in our region that would be capable of this. And that is the wolf. The wolf is our wild animal, and just the realisation that there are wolves in our country does all sorts of things to my mind. The wolf moves me, delights me, and frightens me—all at once.”
(“Wie is er bang voor de Grote Boze Wolf?” by Marjan Slob)

Visitors also explored the open studio of Warre Mulder (@warremulder) in the Genieloods, and gathered around the work of Dodi Espinosa (@dodiespinosa) for a farewell ritual of collective knitting. Meanwhile, Hannibal Kitchen (@hannibal_kitchen) offered small bites that kept the atmosphere convivial.

The day closed with a powerful performance by Toni Brell (@tonibrell) & Toni Steffens (@newborin_), whose sound and movement reverberated through the Genieloods and across the fortress moat. It was a fitting final gesture for an exhibition that has listened closely to more-than-human voices.

We warmly thank all artists, collaborators, and visitors who joined us along the way.