We are delighted to announce that David Claerbout’s solo exhibition at Kasteel van Gaasbeek will feature the premiere of his latest film, The Woodcarver and the Forest.
The Woodcarver and the Forest is an intimate portrait of a reclusive young man who spends his time hand-carving spoons. His slow, repetitive actions become a meditative ritual and the soft cutting sounds evoke a deep calm, tapping into the ASMR phenomenon.
At first glance, the film appears to be a serene, endlessly looping short. But linger longer, and you notice that the lush forest scenery masks a silent deforestation. With each spoon carved, another tree falls, and unseen birds disappear.
It’s a gentle yet unsettling reminder that even the most mindful crafts can conceal the logic of overconsumption—a film that holds the tension between calming craftsmanship and environmental reckoning.
More information available on the website. |