Introduction

David Claerbout's latest film The Woodcarver and the Forest premieres at Gaasbeek Castle. 

The Woodcarver and the Forest is an intimate portrait of a reclusive young man and the attentive depiction of his only, seemingly banal occupation – woodcarving. The film is composed of two complimentary views: outdoors, a lush forest, and indoor, the lone woodcarver. The film’s progression is incremental, following real time and the extremely slow process of woodcarving. However, the end result of his craft is contained in his action, even if it’s far in the future. Watching the forest vanish, its trees felled one by one, is a powerful reminder of the passage of time.

In addition to the new film, an ensemble of works by David Claerbout will be integrated into the historic rooms of the castle. The works themselves offer a new look at the collection and architecture of Gaasbeek Castle as a palimpsest or hub of time.

Further information