The 'Tree of Life Stories' connects the stories and memories of the residents of De Kouter with the life story of a tree. Trees, like aging humans, are living witnesses to the passage of time. From the trunk of a 140-year-old oak from the Meerdaal Forest, Lies Daenen, together with Cameroonian sculptor Charles Djeumou, created a bench where residents and visitors can rest. The engravings in the wood, made by Lies, reference the life stories of the people living at this place.
In the Grand Café, the imprint of the tree bark bears witness to the life story of the oak itself. Through the narrative artwork in the corridor — a creation by Kunstcollectief KNEPH — the project extends its presence into the living spaces of the home. Many residents and staff of De Kouter were closely involved in the project.
The Tree of Life Stories is an art project by me and Charles Djeumou, in collaboration with the KNEPH Collective, and the residents and staff of De Kouter care center.
The most beautiful aspect of this project was its effect on the residents. Many of them crossed the threshold and actively participated. It was a joy to be together in the forest, to give advice, to co-create. The project brought life, awakened pride, and strengthened the feeling of being part of a community once again.