Temporary public installation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Mixed media, scaffolding and printed canvas
Waterlooplein, Amsterdam
During the holiday of Sukkot, Jewish families build temporary shelters, known as sukkahs, to reflect on the transient nature of life and remember their ancestors’ journey from slavery to salvation. ‘Ushpizin’ is a temporary public installation that revives this tradition, which disappeared from Amsterdam’s public sphere. The installation features blueprints of houses left empty after World War II and later demolished, creating a poignant connection between past and present. This evokes memories of loss and resilience, turning the sukkahs into symbols of both historical reflection and continuity.
Commissioned by the Faculty of Humanities at Amsterdam University (UVA), the Jewish Cultural Quarter, and the Municipality of Amsterdam. Curated by Julia van der Krieke as part of the postdoc project ‘The Jewish City, Vlooienburg and Uilenburg’ with supervision by Prof. Bart Wallet.
