Cilia Erens , Dinie Besems
Various artists Slotjes van Sint-Oedenrode, ‘7 waarvan 3’ (Castles of Sint-Oedenrode, ‘3 out of 7’)

In order to expose and emphasize the cultural, historical and scenic qualities of the town, Sint-Oedenrode’s art foundation initiated the art project, “Slotjes van Sint-Oedenrode, 7 waarvan 3’’. The project is based on the environmental-architectonic structure, ‘7 waarvan 3’ by landscape architect Paul Roncken. Ronken researched the surroundings and history of this particular town and came up with a format through which the art works can forge a relationship with the historical legacy of Sint-Oedenrode. For example, a significant role has been allocated to the legend of Saint Oda (680-726 A.D.), after whom the old Rode was named. Saint Oda was a Scottish princess, who, after having her vision restored and wandering around as hermitess, settled in the vicinity of the town and provided many with a brighter future. Myths, real historical events, cultural relics and contemporary rural scenery are the ingredients of the five different project types. Dinie Besems and Cilia Erens were the first artists to realize their projects.

Dinie Besems asked herself the following question:
“How can one return the legend of Saint Oda and the founding of Sint-Oedenrode with its famous castles to the collective consciousness by means of a contemporary design?’’
By creating objects and situations, Besems aims to reach the residents of Sint-Oedenrode in a direct manner. As such, she designed a contemporary relic in the shape of a coin, one side of which features the image of Sint-Oedenrode’s sole heroine, Saint Oda. The other side features the township’s coat of arms as it is illustrated on its seal of independence, which was received in 1232 when the town became independent. Besems also created a situation because the coins actually need to be found. Indeed, anyone who finds one of the brass coins can exchange it at the town hall for a gilded copy. In this way, Besems has bridged the gap between the past and the present as well as between myth and reality.

Cilia Erens works with sound and is mainly interested in how we experience sound. She toys with the magic of our imaginary and - at the same time - actual past. ‘Terug naar Oda, een geluidsrelict (2007-680)’ (Return to Oda, an aural relic (2007-680)’ is a sound work that allows one to relive Saint Oda’s voyage to and arrival at Sint-Oedenrode. Celia Erens’ sound work will be presented on 30 September, during Sint-Oedenrode’s cultural day.

www.kunstinsint-oedenrode.nl/