Closed Until Further Notice
Closed Until Further Notice is an installation comprising 28 vibrant clay shop shutters. The artist embarked on this project in the streets of Brussels, where he posed a straightforward question to 28 young refugees: "What would you have become if you hadn't been forced to flee your country?" The answers received from these individuals were then carefully engraved on the back of each clay shutter. Behind each shutter lies a unique narrative of a person compelled to set aside their dreams and aspirations due to circumstances of war or conflict.
The choice of colors, patterns, and medium for the installation draws inspiration from the distinctive style often observed throughout the Middle East, the region from which the interviewed individuals originate. In the original arrangement, all shutters are displayed adjacently, evoking the imagery of a closed shopping street. This symbolism reflects the unfortunate reality that many of these prospective shops and businesses may never open, at least until further notice…
Additionally, two additional series of Closed Until Further Notice were created in Los Angeles and Tangier.
“I probably would have taken over the grocery shop of my parents once they retired. I already worked there for a couple of years. What I miss the most is going to the markets early in the morning. The smell of all the fresh fruits and vegetables. Trying to find the best pieces before someone else does.”
“I’d still be a teacher in my home country. Once the Taliban took over again, it wasn’t safe for me there anymore. I was lucky to have the right connections to get me the correct papers to ask for asylum here. I have no idea what happened to most of my students. It worries me a lot.”
Los Angeles edition
Tanger edition
“I worked at a beer stand, where I sold beer and sodas as well. It was a good job, because I saw a lot of different people during the day. They would always tell me how they were doing and how their day went.”
“I was working in a nail salon and my dream was to have one of my own one day. I love to be creative and precise, and this job combines both. Also, the contact with the clients I really enjoyed. To see the smile on their faces when they left. During covid the business went under, and we all were let go. I hope to find the same job here. American women like their nails as well.”
“I would have my own teahouse where I would serve the best tea in town. I would see my friends every day. Here I’m all by myself. I haven’t found tea here, that tastes as good as the one at home.”
“I always wanted to have my own restaurant. Food is very important in our culture. I’m a decent cook, but I think I would be a better host. Making the people feel welcome and make sure they have a great night.”
“I was waiter in a restaurant. Maybe I would have become manager in a couple of more years. What I miss the most is seeing my friends at work. For a quick chat or a laugh. Simple things that brought a lot of joy in my life.”
“I would have loved to become a language teacher back home. To teach English to my fellow countrymen. If you can speak English, you can accomplish a lot in this World. Unfortunately, when the Taliban took over again, I couldn’t stay. I would have been killed for sure. ”
“I probably would have my own art studio. I made my paintings and sculptures that I sold to tourists. It actually went pretty well. But tourism stopped due to covid and since there weren’t many other job opportunities here, I had to find my luck elsewhere. I hope to reach the US and start over there.”
“I always wanted to work in a library. Being surrounded by books all day. Giving advice to people who want to discover new books. But we had to flee our village and after that I joined of group of 10 who were going to try to make it into Spain. ”
“My dream was to work in a hotel. To assist the guests and make their stays memorable. But the tourism industry took a bad hit and most of the hotel either closed or had to let go most of their staff. ”
“I was a street vender back home. I sold fruits and some vegetables as well. Some of my friends made plans to try to go to Europe and I joined them. That was 4 years ago.”
“I’d still have my own art studio where I made paintings. But also, decorations in children’s rooms for example. I can’t remember the last time I held a paint brush in my hand. ”
“I would still be a bus driver. Every morning I picked up the children to take them to school. After the big earthquake the entire school was destroyed, luckily without any children in it. Since there wasn’t a school anymore, I was out of work and they let me go. I really miss the sound of the children. Especially when I was bringing them back home after school.”
“I would have helped in our family business. We sold carpets, for 3 generations. But in times of war, people don’t buy carpets anymore. And when the situation became too dangerous it was time for me to get out of there. ”