The Floating Bosch Parade Makes a Spectacle of Online Life on a River in The Netherlands

This post was originally published on Colossal

The Bosch Parade, a theatrical and musical art spectacle on the Netherlands’ Dommel River, kicks off on Thursday, June 20. For four days, spectators on the riverbanks can experience a procession of 19 floating, paddling, and swimming works of art in the middle of the historic center of ’s-Hertogenbosch, the birthplace and home of Hieronymous Bosch (1450–1516). The tenth edition of the parade is dedicated to our contemporary demons.

Fantasy, Absurdities, and Wonderment
An impressive spectacle that amazes, touches, and connects viewers, Bosch Parade 2024 is the tenth edition of this floating art manifestation in the heart of ’s-Hertogenbosch. As in previous editions, visual artists, directors, and choreographers from the Netherlands and around the world will pay tribute to the timeless creativity and imagination of Bosch. In this all-new fascinating cruise of the ludicrous, nineteen quirky and colorful art objects full of fantasies and absurdities will be shown to thousands of spectators. 

Extraordinary Creations Depict Contemporary Demons
Through floating, bobbing, and wading creations, renowned and emerging artists present their interpretations of the theme of this year’s edition: contemporary demons. Algorithms, data, news reports, social media, hackers, trackers, and influencers rattle like menacing pests at the gates of our existence. What do we have to fear from these tormentors? Do we turn away from them, or surrender? 

During Bosch Parade 2024, artists and creators from far and wide will highlight these contemporary demons in a wondrous spectacle of unique sailing artworks, some of which feature theater, dance, and music.

Lennie Visser, “Evolution of Demons” (2024)

Thespian Lennie Visser, collaborating with designer Jelle Engel, creates singular circus performances with Boost Producties, exploring the boundaries between movement theatre, circus, dance, and visual arts. Visser will perform “Evolution of Demons” at this year’s Bosch Parade.

Chant van Lieshout and MOSs Social Club, “Isteria Archipelago” (2024)

Chant van Lieshout and MOSs Social Club have created a magical archipelago “Isteria Archipelago”, a utopian paradise where deformed fish, amid pollution and decay, work toward a better universe.

Artist rendering of Simone Serlenga and Amy Evans, “The Voyage of the Ship of Fools” (2024)

For centuries, Bosch’s The Ship of Fools (c. 1490–1500) has been a symbol of a flawed human society. Simone Serlenga and Amy Evans used it as inspiration for their installation,“The Voyage of the Ship of Fools”, to deliver a similar social critique of today’s excesses: overconsumption and a constant desire for newer, bigger, and better.

Bosch Parade 2022, SKYPUNCH COLLECTIVE, project Naîad

Garden of Earthly Delights: David Bade & Tirzo Martha

Part of this year’s Bosch Parade is the Garden of Earthly Delights, a summery open-air studio on the waterfront at the Citadel, a medieval fortress in the center of ’s-Hertogenbosch. From May 23 through June 23, you can see and meet artists at work in this breeding ground of artistic fervor, including Curaçao artists David Bade and Tirzo Martha, who collaborated with dozens of volunteers, artists, and students from Curaçao and the Netherlands on an impressive gesamtkunstwerk that will continue to be built from May onwards with the opportunity for attendees of the parade to participate.

To learn more, visit boschparade.nl, and view the 2024 full program.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article The Floating Bosch Parade Makes a Spectacle of Online Life on a River in The Netherlands appeared first on Colossal.