EURO VISION BUOYS (2018)

"Exploring Euro Vision (2018): A Multifaceted Artwork Reflecting Europe's Dynamic Realities"

The intricacies of contemporary European sociopolitical currents find vivid expression in Tom Herck's interactive piece, "Euro Vision" (2018). This work invites profound introspection into the trajectory of Europe, its collective aspirations, and the inherent uncertainties that define its present course. Situated within the broader context of the Eurovision song festival—a symbol of utopian inclusivity—the artwork serves as a poignant mirror to the evolving panorama of Europe's cultural, historical, and socioeconomic narrative.

Originating as an endeavor to foster unity among a war-ravaged Europe during the 1950s, the Eurovision song festival endeavored to forge bonds through the harmonious confluence of diverse cultures. However, in the contemporary milieu, this once-nostalgic event has undergone a perceptible shift in its European ethos. The prevailing European spirit, once steeped in solidarity, now grapples with a metamorphosed landscape, accompanied by an absence of former sentimental underpinnings.

In an allegorical vein, "Euro Vision" navigates the metaphorical waters of Europe's sociopolitical landscape, invoking the imagery of a sinking ship as an emblem of the prevailing disarray. The European Union's earnest efforts towards harmonizing migration policies and effecting political cohesion have encountered insurmountable challenges, and the once-united Union appears to be fragmenting into a mere single market, bereft of overarching political unity.

Herck's project ingeniously superimposes the motto "In varietate concordia" (United in diversity) with an updated counterpart: "Divided in similarity." This juxtaposition underscores the current incongruity between the original aspirations of European integration and the realities of a more divergent, multipolar Europe. The emblematic motif serves as a visual artifact, inviting contemplation into the nuanced complexities of European identity and collective purpose.

The very vessel through which Herck expounds his artistic discourse, a two-masted, 42-foot sailing ship, transmutes into a symbol of sociopolitical transformation. Evoking the aesthetics of a Viking ship—historically emblematic of strength and identity—the vessel simultaneously underscores the burgeoning dichotomy between societal strata within the European framework. The once-practical Viking shields, in this context, give way to contemporary lifebuoys, signifying both protection and rescue in the face of adversity. The contrast between traditional woodcraft and modern plastic production serves as a poignant embodiment of the overarching themes inherent in the artwork.

As the ship sails, the phrase "Save Our Stars" adorns the vessel's exterior, a metaphorical allusion to the iconic "S.O.S." signal. Positioned just above the sea's surface, this plea for deliverance serves as a microcosm of Europe's quest for salvation in the face of contemporary challenges.

The constellation of European stars adorning the sails encapsulates another layer of symbolism. Amidst the twelve stars, one solitary shooting star symbolizes England—a testament to the seismic impact of Brexit on the European landscape. The shooting star, an animated reminder, elucidates the distinction between social media commentary and factual reality, echoing the confusion that often permeates online discourse.

In conclusion, "Euro Vision" emerges as a multifaceted testament to Europe's ongoing evolution, encapsulating the complexities of identity, unity, and divergence. Herck's innovative amalgamation of symbolism, historical context, and artistic expression orchestrates a resonant symphony that invites viewers to delve into the depths of Europe's collective consciousness, bridging the temporal chasm between the past and the ever-evolving present.

© Text by Lara van Oudenaarde
© Movie and pictures by Victor Maillard