‘Batara’ is Arabic for ‘cutting away’ or ‘carving’, which is a method used in building. Batara was created for the latest edition of the exhibition ‘Beelden op de Berg’, held in the Belmonte Arboretum in Wageningen in 2013. It is located near the pond behind Zodiac. Holtrop (1977- ), an Amsterdam-based architect and artist, drew his inspiration for Batara from the famous tombs of Petra in Jordan. He decided to build a ‘pavilion’ of irregularly shaped walls made of foamed concrete that was moulded in holes in the ground. The result is a cave-like construction. The foam concrete weathers and crumbles under the influence of the elements. This cannot be prevented or repaired. Batara will therefore eventually collapse. Wild roses have been planted, which will surround the (future) ruin, but also protect visitors from falling chunks.

More info at: WUR Image Collections