the european biennial of contemporary art
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artists

Harold de Bree

1966, Voorschoten, NL Lives in The Hague, NL

M1 SS Bailey Bridge, 2008 Wooden construction, 27 × 480 × 250 cm

BOLZANO/BOZEN

Harolddebreebailey_opt

The Bailey Bridge – a strong and quickly assembled, pre-fabricated bridge – was first used by the Allied Forces in Italy in 1943. The ease of movement it provided was decisive as the retreating German and Italian armies destroyed existing bridges. The original design is still in use as a rapid response bridge. It became part of the US Government program concerning possible disaster scenarios after September 11th.
“To build a 27 meter-long M1 Bailey Bridge over the rectangular pond situated in front of the aluminum factory built by Benito Mussolini’s government seemed to me the best way to contribute to Manifesta 7. The bridge does not reach neither of the shores, and it is too high for people to cross.” Harold de Bree
The work of Harold de Bree reconstructs sections from history in such a way as to trigger deep memories and sensations. It often has an industrial, military glow: he is particularly attracted by pure, sober, grey forms and by heavy, dangerous things. Through repetition, however, these colossal objects seem to become incoherent and less concrete.
“After I completed various studies in graphic design and painting at the Art Academy in The Hague and Rotterdam, I transformed myself into a big elephant. I am now working on large-scale constructions in The Hague, mostly site specific.” Harold de Bree


Location

BOLZANO/BOZEN

RAQS MEDIA COLLECTIVE: "THE REST OF NOW"

EX ALUMIX, VIA VOLTA 11, I-39100 BOLZANO/BOZEN, ITALY

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