les disparus

by Christian Boltanski
by Boltanski, Christian

In a contemporary rectangular confessional chair, visitors whispered a number of names of people buried in the Oude Kerk. When whispering, all voices sound alike. To thank the visitors for their sonor / auditory gift, the artist returned a certificate of gratitude. The recorded whispers were heard in the high choir during the exhibition weeks. Over time, all whispers turned into a comprehensive soundscape that remains as an intangible homage. Additionally, the names were printed in a small booklet that was available at the entrance during the exhibition.

From the year 1396 until 1865 around 20.000 people have been buried here in the Oude Kerk. Ms. Bijtelaar (1898 - 1978), who was living of one of the small houses adjacent to the church, researched the graves and traced down more than 5.000 names. Over the course of the years, the research extended into 8.000 names.

Period 21st century
Materials Foil, wood, crates


Fragments of a process

Part of

After
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Related

Memorial Stone for Barendina Marie Bijtelaar
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prendre la parole
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crépuscule
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le manteau
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les manteaux
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autel
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attente
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animatas blanc
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Identifiers for references

Oude kerk Adlib Collect priref 2102