Candela
2025
Mysticeti spec. stranding-46432
Every whale stranding is an omen, informing us of the state of the world ocean. Way beyond measurements — of heavy metals and other pollutants — being with stranded whales offers a glimpse of that which is non-measurable.
And yet, our world is sometimes expressed through the whale bodies. Until the 19th century, the candle was considered the main source of artificial light. Emerging from the desire to make light measurable, the “candela” (Latin for candle) was recognized as the standard unit of luminous intensity since 1860. 1 Candela equals the light coming from the brightest candle flame, burning on a waxy substance derived from the sperm whale. To this day, the candela is an international unit of measurement, and the flame of whale fat resonates in the designation of illumination of the Lumen en de Lux.
2025
Mysticeti spec. stranding-46432
Every whale stranding is an omen, informing us of the state of the world ocean. Way beyond measurements — of heavy metals and other pollutants — being with stranded whales offers a glimpse of that which is non-measurable.
And yet, our world is sometimes expressed through the whale bodies. Until the 19th century, the candle was considered the main source of artificial light. Emerging from the desire to make light measurable, the “candela” (Latin for candle) was recognized as the standard unit of luminous intensity since 1860. 1 Candela equals the light coming from the brightest candle flame, burning on a waxy substance derived from the sperm whale. To this day, the candela is an international unit of measurement, and the flame of whale fat resonates in the designation of illumination of the Lumen en de Lux.
7kWh energy generated from whale remains, lithium batteries, transformer, battery management system, modified electric candle, tin candle holder
images show installation views at Kunstenlab, Deventer by Koen Kievits
images show installation views at Kunstenlab, Deventer by Koen Kievits
