PEELed: The Nutrition We Overlook

PEELed A Sculptural Reflection on Age, Value, and Connection PEELed uses the humble citrus peel as a metaphor for age, wisdom, and resilience. Often discarded despite being the most nutritious part of the fruit, the peel becomes a symbol of overlooked value — much like older people in our fast-paced contemporary society. The sculptural forms are handmade from papier-mâché and resemble orange and mandarin peels: fragile yet powerful, recognizable yet abstract. The layered, textured surfaces evoke memories and time, reinforcing the themes of preservation, transformation, and quiet strength. The color orange—a reference to the Dutch royal family—anchors the work in national identity and everyday life. Citrus fruits, widely consumed in the Netherlands and interwoven with various cultures, symbolize health, migration, and tradition. In many immigrant families, peels are used in tea, medicine, and cooking—a silent reminder that what is often ignored still has meaning and value. ⸻ A Vision for the Netherlands PEELed is also a glimpse of the Netherlands in 10, 20, or 50 years: a society that does not see aging as decline, but as deepening — a rich collection of wisdom, stories, and lived experiences. To build a healthy and inclusive future, we must stop discarding what has matured. We must make room for intergenerational exchange, cultural memory, and the silent strength of those who came before us. ⸻ What needs to change The future calls for a redefinition of what it means to contribute — not only through economic productivity, but also through presence, reflection, and sharing stories. Respect for age, emotional intelligence, and cultural heritage must be deeply woven into the fabric of Dutch society. ⸻ Who Is Building This Future? Artists. Teachers. Families. Urban planners. Caregivers. Older people themselves. Everyone carries a thread in the fabric of a more tender, inclusive, and wise society. ⸻ Why This Is Important As an artist and citizen, I believe that the Netherlands must evolve into a country where every layer of identity—and every stage of life—is seen, valued, and cherished. A place where we don't just renew the surface, but peel away the layers—and find nourishment in what we already carry within us.