The artworks of Klaas Kloosterboer often follow a cycle of construction, destruction, and reconstruction. Normally, they result from a series of actions the artist performs according to pre-set rules. Especially for the temporary clubhouse of the Kite Club at Voorlinden, he collaborated with these fellow artists to create several kites.
Are you a kite flyer by nature?
‘Not exactly, but I’ve been a sailor since I was a child. That does create a connection, of course, as both involve working with the wind. I find that lightness and sense of airiness very appealing. In the Netherlands, kiting is still often associated with children and play, but internationally it’s more of a hobby and sport for adults. Personally, kite flying really lifts my spirits. That’s the homo ludens (Latin for “playing human”) in me — and it suits my artistic practice.’
Had you made kites before?
‘Once, for an artwork, I made a kite with an extremely long tail that formed a figure. I really like the idea that outside elements can influence a composition. And that you create room for chance – you might toss a rope on the ground and see how it lands. So I didn’t hesitate long when I was asked to create kites with the Kite Club. Collaborating with another artist was exciting, as I’d never done it before and probably wouldn’t have dared in the past – it means someone comes very close.’
Where did you find inspiration for your kites?
‘I once saw some stunning kites in Switzerland – part of a project by the American video artist Joan Jonas. Bertjan Pot also showed me lots of traditional kites, for example from Japan, with faces on them. I find that idea intriguing – that someone looks down at you from above, like a kind of spirit.’
What will your kites look like in the end?
‘I think there are very few kites that focus on the act of spraying – on the application of colour. I want to do something with that and bring in a painterly quality. So I’m going to spray a kite and first need to figure out the right colours. For instance, blue in the sky can almost become camouflage – and I like that subtlety. I also want to add a fluttering shape in front of the kite, like a sash or veil. When you beachcomb, you find all sorts of plastic and rubbish – and I wanted to let something like that flap in the wind, as a kind of transformation of that material.’
Do you find kite-making difficult?
‘Not at all. I often sew costumes as part of my work and I’m used to sitting at a sewing machine. These days, I also work a lot with loose fabrics. My work keeps evolving — I love to experiment. In preparation for Voorlinden, we’ve already made several prototypes, including a kite with a veil and one made of gold foil with holes – and it’s already flown! We also tested a golden tail – which looked absolutely stunning in the wind. Now I just hope for good weather so we can fly them at Voorlinden too.’
Have you caught the kite-flying bug?
‘I’m not entirely sure. I really enjoy the sense of freedom. But first, let’s get this project right. I’m definitely looking forward to it.’
Want to see more kites? Take a look at the Kite Club’s Instagram page.
Header: Kite Club by Ruud Baan