The Pigeon Dialogues addresses the strong separation between countryside and cities. Inspired by pigeon post and the historic pigeon lofts you still occasionally come across in the countryside, this installation creates a safe space to exchange ideas and facilitate discussion.
Message to the future
Pigeon post is a slow, but targeted, medium. Pigeons can return to their homes impeccably over a distance of hundreds of kilometres, bringing only one message at a time. The current polarisation is partly fuelled by the speed of social media, where context is lacking and information not consciously considered. As a result, people talk past each other, and there is no room for dialogue. Only if we take longer to think and listen to each other better, will we arrive at a conversation. What is really needed to achieve a sustainable future for future generations?
The design is based on the construction of the pigeon loft in the village of Echten (Drenthe) where the wood joints have been carefully studied and form the basis of the installation. From the loft's 48 holes, where pigeons fly in and out, come as many messages for the future. These messages were gathered from conversations with a diverse group of Wolden people, including intensive animal farmers, biodynamic farmers, nature and landscape preservationists, landowners, administrators and even the last pigeon fancier in Drenthe.
Inside the pigeon loft are portraits of the farmers and Woldenaars with whom Nikki engaged in conversation, captured by photographer Maurice Boyer.
Visitors are invited to leave their own message for the future by writing it on colourful ribbons on the spot and tying it to the installation. The Pigeon Dialogues thus becomes a temple where many opinions come together.
With this installation, we hope to stimulate a dialogue on the future of the Netherlands in transition towards a sustainable food system for everyone.
About Nikki Gonnissen (thonik) with Studio Corvers
Studio Corvers is a design studio based in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. At the intersection of design and architecture, the studio makes complex and urgent social issues visible and discussable.
