The work reflects on freedom. Not as something fixed, but as something that continuously changes form. It moves, shifts, and takes on new shapes. Freedom is fluid. And only when it disappears do you truly feel how essential it is.
At the heart of the stump, a date is embedded: a historical anchor point, marking the moment when freedom was regained. From this core outward, the tree rings become increasingly irregular in shape. In this way, the work visualizes how freedom develops over time: layered, mutable, and constantly reshaped by the context of each moment.
The Liberation Forest was planted in 1995 (30,000 maple trees) as a tribute to the Canadian liberators of Groningen. Freedom is Fluid marks not only the conclusion of the commemorative year 80 Years of Freedom Groningen, but also the beginning of an ongoing dialogue about what freedom means.
Commissioned by: 80 Years of Freedom Groningen, Museum aan de A
Project Lead: Kim van Steenwijk
Concept, Design: Paul&Albert
Advice: Martin Hillenga
Production: Bronsgieterij Van der Kleij
Casting model, Installation: Firma Buitelaar
3D Model: Michael Bijmolt, André Ferwerda
Tree Scan: Wybren van Keulen
Photography: Sebastiaan Rodenhuis
