That silly Jan

In Beerlegem (Zwalm), about 20 kilometres from the Koer, there was an oak tree that had been felled by the storm. It was carefully placed, roots and all, on an old cart, honouring its crown, a cart made of oak, forged and welded steel and rubber lorry tyres. The wood of the cart must be much older than the tree we will transport with it. 

Tree and cart. Both are bearers of time and silent witnesses in a story in which man steals the leading role. Grounded in a new story, we bring them to their next destination." – Max Pairon

The project Die malle Jan (That silly Jan) originated in the imagination of artist Max Pairon as part of the research project Veldwerk 2020 – 2021 (Fieldwork 2020 – 2021) by arts platform PLAN B. Die malle Jan refers to the cart that was used in the past to transport tree trunks and other long objects such as tram rails and windmill sails; an investigation into the use of human power and old transport techniques in a new urban context. 

With the 'exceptional transport' of this felled oak tree from the countryside through the historic centre of Ghent to the Brugse Poort, casual passers-by are invited to reflect on how we as a community (can) deal with raw materials and intangible heritage (craftsmanship, craft, technology, nature and agriculture) today. 

Together with the various partner organisations (VIERNULVIER, de Koer, Kunstenplatform PLAN B, WALPURGIS and Trage Wegen), four horses and a team of drivers, planners, technicians, cooks and pullers, they are bringing this artistic transport step by step closer to its final destination: de Koer in Brugse Poort in Ghent. There, this work of art will be integrated into the renovation of the old community centre. The first part of the journey took place on 30 May 2021. The tree is now lying on a vacant lot along the Hundelgemsesteenweg near Sallemeulekouter, waiting for the journey to continue.

In preparation for the route still to be covered, the team demonstrated how the 22-metre-long oak tree can manoeuvre through the streetscape. Under the name 'Die malle Jan draaft door' (That silly Jan trots on), an accurate simulation was made using a full-scale model with a cord and a handmade crown and root ball (representing the width). 

Bio

Max Pairon (°1988, BE) studied Drama at KASK Ghent, where he immediately developed a keen interest in scenography and dramaturgy. As an artist, he does not limit himself to one medium, but is guided by an anthropological perspective that constantly feeds his practice. He is also one of the driving forces behind De Koer, a social and artistic initiative in the Brugse Poort neighbourhood of Ghent. Max's work has previously been shown at the Bâtard Festival (Brussels), and he designed costumes for Bosse Provoost's performance Matisklo (2018).

Photo: Silly Jan, journey part 1 © Leontien Allemeersch