For over two years now, Rotterdam visual artist Maarten Bel has been making the VPRO Youth program The gift factoryWith the help of mysterious machines, Bel creates a unique gift for a special someone. It's not about giving the most expensive gift, but about a gift you make yourself that truly touches you. The gift factory it's about fantasy, fun, creating, imagining, giving, love and much more.
Maarten Bel: 'For my birthday, I now only ask for homemade gifts. Last time, I asked everyone to draw a picture, even adults who normally never draw. Giving a gift isn't about monetary value, but about empathizing with others, making an effort, and developing your creativity. It's important to teach children this.
About Maarten Bel
Maarten Bel (born 1987) alienates his audience by addressing weighty themes in a humorous way, often drawing inspiration from everyday events. In his world, the Smurfs are melting due to climate change, cleaning up trash becomes a more intense game than Monopoly, and few things are as sexy as a man embroidering. Sometimes Maarten also engages his audience in his work. People initially look puzzled, but then find it quite amusing. Nine out of ten dentists agree: Maarten Bel gives you a headbutt after which you feel reborn.
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Image: VPRO Youth