Whoever saves a life... (saves the whole world)
Annita Smit Zaltbommel (Netherlands), 2024. Colored and torn paper. (MAS | Museum aan de Stroom – MAS.0561)
(Freely adapted from the Talmud and the Quran.)
Countless aid organizations are drawing attention to their charitable causes and their funding. Through posters, letters, and leaflets, they call for financial support.
Artist Annita Smit incorporated the large amount of paper into a new work. This is a form of upcycling, but above all a reflection on the multitude of organizations that help people, and on their attempts to rally others for their actions.
If you look closely, you can recognize a number of associations. From a distance, the artwork resembles a lifebuoy. This symbolizes the help that all these associations provide.
This impressive paper sculpture – approx. 1,25 meters in diameter – is crafted from promotional material from Antwerp, Belgian, and international aid organizations: 11.11.11 - Broederlijk Delen - Caritas - Diyanet Belgium – Gaia - Sultan der Maanden - El Ele Hulpvereniging - Al Ikram - Arrahma Humanity - Amnesty International - Chaverim Antwerp - Arham Yuva Seva Group - Animal Shelter: Krishna Ashram - De Joodse Centrale - Unie Vrijzinnige Verenigingen - de mens.nu - Sikhs United - Moskee Selimiye Camii - Moskee El Mohsinien - Stichting Al-Bunyaan.
Mercy
Stephan Vanfleteren, 2024. 8x color print on paper, lead frame (MAS I Museum aan de Stroom – MAS.0527)
Photographer Stephan Vanfleteren captured the essence of the 'Eight Works of Mercy' in contemporary still lifes.
His visual language elevates rituals and scenes to a universal level of compassion, grace, and mercy. The focus here is not on the act of mercy itself, but on the personal and intimate relationship with the suffering human being and with the living environment.
I. To feed the hungry - Corpus, Veurne
II. Giving the thirsty something to drink - Transmigrant, Dunkirk
III. Giving clothes to the naked - Homeless person, Ostend
IV. Providing shelter to foreigners - Refugee camp, Calais
V. Caring for the sick - Heart patient, Dudzele
VI. Helping prisoners - Inmate, Oudenaarde
VII. Burying the dead - Deceased, Ruddervoorde
VIII. Caring for nature - Landscape, Earth
Image of a pelican feeding her young
Belgium, ca. 1900. Marble statue. (MAS | Museum aan de Stroom – MAS.0271.079)
The compassion and good deeds of divine figures and saints, literary characters, positive qualities that we portray in human form, etc., can move us to help.
Good examples are not always people. The ideas or principles themselves—think of caring, dedication, self-sacrifice—also serve as examples. They are then presented in an easily understandable image, such as this feeding pelican.
A pelican piercing its breast to feed its young with its blood: in Catholic culture, it has been a popular symbol of self-sacrifice, charity, and help to others for centuries, following the example of Christ, who also sacrificed himself.
Kannon Bosatsu, the Japanese Avalokiteshvara
Japan, ca. 1670. Gold varnish on wood. (MAS I Museum aan de Stroom – AE.4822)
Buddha Amitabha symbolizes the merciful nature of the Buddha, who is endlessly compassionate and wise. His helper is Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. He attained Enlightenment but chose not to merge into nirvana, in order to help others achieve the same goal. The loving radiance illustrates his kindness.
Ceremonial double spoon: Wunkermian (or Wa Ke Mia)
People: Dan, Danané (Ivory Coast), 1934. Monoxile wood. (MAS I Museum aan de Stroom – AE.1955.0040.0012)
Food and drink are basic needs. Of all forms of aid, food provision remains the most important form of charity. Just think of the distribution of food parcels.
This double spoon is a prestige object belonging to the most hospitable and generous woman of the village: the wunkerle. The size of the spoon illustrates the extent of her generosity.
Take a closer look at all the images
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The MAS - Museum aan de Stroom is the city museum of Antwerp that highlights the city, its port, and its connection to the world through art, heritage, and stories.
