The meaning of clothing has always been a theme for Angelica Falkeling, who decided to explore the relationship between sport and clothing in more detail. The reason was the difficult relationship between sport and sexual diversity, the invisibility of LGBTI and the problems that intersex athletes experience. Falkeling wanted to bring sculptural odes to bodies that challenge gender and sexuality in the form of a portable gym installation in public space: “The Sport & Sexuality project aims to question the rules of the game through a Cross fit Arena in a series of sculptural episodes in the public space of Rotterdam, for queer, trans, gay and intersex sports stars.” This includes learning to weld with steel, as an expression of stability and heaviness in the gym. Sports, gender and sexuality are all linked to the expressions, skills and movements of bodies, Falkeling said.

The theme fits in with Falkeling's oeuvre, who made Hug a Hoodie in 2014, about social class, dress codes and politics. With drawings, photos, video, performance, text and especially with textiles and handicrafts, it is an art about intergenerational knowledge transfer. The artist examines clothing from a queer and feminist perspective, translated into steel in this R&D plan. The R&D committee found it an interesting starting point with a good balance between theory and practice, a project with the potential to draw attention to taboos.

For months, Falkeling immersed himself in the culture of crossfit, gyms, transgender athletes and weightlifting ideas. Discussions about trans- and intersex athletes meanwhile kept the media busy, with the artist simultaneously delving into relevant theory. Corona made outdoor sports more common, providing an outdoor space to work in and in line with the plan to develop outdoor devices, through a DIY and punk-inspired visual language.