Enlarged version of a traditional, round barbecue with a diameter of 220 cm. The grill is designed in the United Nations logo. Positioned in the green area between flats Kruitberg and Kikkenstein, the barbecue can be used for free by groups of inhabitants or interested visitors.
The international duo Allora and Calzadilla have designed a barbecue for the residents of the Bijlmer, one bearing the logo of the United Nations. This barbecue will be made available to the residents to be used whenever people want. The U.N.B.B.Q. is both a simple and sympathetic gesture in which various aspects of the Bijlmer are handled in an unassuming way. The area is home, after all, to people who have come from many countries and regions to Amsterdam Zuidoost and, as it were, represent a true and vibrant assembly of the United Nations. Also, the idea of the Bijlmer as a park area with lots of green in which there is ample space for outside activities is reflected in the artwork. The size of the barbecue makes it possible for a large number of people to use it at the same time so that they can get to know one another through the age-old activity of preparing and sharing a meal, as is written by the two artists in the introduction to the artwork. In addition interesting conversations can develop about the choice of the part of the world that you select for the preparation of your food, which areas of the world become warm – or dangerously hot – and where the food is the best. Allora’s and Calzadilla’s idea to unite people, nations and peoples around a peaceful ritual like a barbecue is meant to – and can – contribute to the internationally oriented Amsterdam Zuidoost.
Jennifer Allora & Guillermo Calzadilla
1974, Philadelphia, US / 1971, Havana, CU. Live and work in San Juan, PR
Since one comes from the United States and the other from Cuba, the artist duo Allora & Calzadilla embodies a classic clash of cultures. One is North American, the other Caribbean, one comes from a ‘wealthy’ Western background while the other comes from a ‘poor’ tropical culture. Allora and Calzadilla work in a variety of artistic disciplines and their subjects are generally charged with political or historical significance, though often light-hearted in tone. When asked why they gravitate to subjects of this kind, they have a simple answer: ‘Because we’re part of society. We live in these times, too. A part of an artist’s experience is being part of a community … or not being part of a community.’
Waar is de BBQ gebleven? Alleen de bankjes staan er nog. Gejat, ontmanteld, ter reparatie?