Collectif les Z'Electriks © Collectif les Z'Electriks
The work of Les Z’Electriks collective is centered on electricity in accordance with the market gardening of the Hortillonnages. The light will highlight the most cultivated tuber in this environment. The marriage of two oppositions between two worlds such as nature and technology, with electric wires that will be installed in a cabin. This duel and this complicity formed by these two elements may not be obvious at first glance. However, in recent years, nature itself has been producing electricity, particularly with wind turbines, water mills and solar panels.
Their project is participatory, it allows everyone to be an actor of their environment. A bicycle is available so that visitors can reproduce the distance covered by the members of the collective to the Hortillonnages. An ecological way of remembering that travel, especially in town, is best done by bike without a motor. In this way, the energy produced by this movement will conduct electricity to a light bulb. This bulb suspended from the ceiling will illuminate a raised potato crate which will then be revealed to the public. Over time, they will germinate, which will make the work evolve. Visitors therefore participate in the evolution of the project and become a member of les Z’electriks collective.
The choice of potatoes is simple. It is the most cultivated tuber of this place: Les Hortillonnages. But, it is also one of the staple foods of humanity and one of the most appreciated.
The electric wires will be recovered and will invade the space, the goal of this project is to recover what surrounds us and to use local products for an ecological question. It’s like reproducing electricity, wires that have already been used, a light bulb, a bicycle and also a table… The space is gradually invaded, the wire descending from the light bulb and then wrapping around the potatoes and finally on the ground. A room where the visitor will be prohibited from going there for security reasons.
Bringing electricity to a place that has never known has interested the collective, and they will not do it alone. It is with the help of visitors that the work will be completed, it will evolve throughout the festival. Their job is to let the public know how important recycling is, and how great this project is for everybody.
The artist
Les Z'Electriks Collective