Hoera een brandnetel

The installation ‘Hoera een brandnetel’ celebrates the birth of the nettle. It is a plant that we would rather be rid of than have, yet it continues to grow everywhere, undisturbed. Also at Ateliers Het Hoofdkantoor, (this work was made specifically for this location) where the former Stork factory produced machinery for the food industry. This resilient species thrives on nitrogen-rich soils—a silent witness to our current environmental problems with high nitrogen levels and declining biodiversity. Ironically, this plant absorbs the excess nitrogen from the soil, allowing other species to flourish later.

Despite its reputation, this plant is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals and proteins. Culinary-wise, anything is possible if you dare. For centuries, it has been used worldwide for its medicinal properties and its sturdy fibers were used to weave fabrics. Yet we relegate it to the status of a weed, something to be eradicated rather than celebrated.

On the grass stands a cradle. In this cradle, new life is growing. It’s time to celebrate. Hurray, a nettle!

A Dutch birth naturally includes a rusk with (in this case) green mice with some nettle seeds sprinkled on top and a cup of nettle tea. This is handed out to the visitors.