First ‘P.A.P.A. on location’ resided in the ward of a mental hospital in Haarlem The Netherlands. The commission created - in coöperation with Het Dolhuys, museum for psychiatry and the Mental Institution itself was to blog from the ward of the mental hospital For ten weeks, twice a week. The weblog was printed out and read aloud to the inhabitants. For the weblog see ( Sorry in Dutch). url:

http://www.hetdolhuys.nl/Mijn-huis-zit-in-m-n-hoofd/Thuis-in-Eikendonck

#suitcases
the suitcases of the inhabitants are put away on the lockers in the cloakroom of the personnel on arrival. My very first morning at early six thirty I was shown a place to hang my coat. I asked about the suitcases. The nurses didn’t notice the suitcases any more. It as if they see them for the first time. Some of the suitcases belong to people who have already passed away. That simple is it to make news on location!!!

#roses
I do admire when people really dress well although they have not left the ward for years. Fragile love relationships emerge.

#eternal beauty
There is a much greater variety in forms of living then you would expect. In the big brick villa’s live people an independent life. They get their medicine and food and an obligation to shower once a week. There are even people living in the city, having a painting studio on the grounds of the mental hospital. A lot of creativity around.

# big stories
All big stories here. People have obsessions to define a reality they can hold on to. I can relate to that very well. As an artist I do cultivate my own obsessions. All the work I make orginates out of my own need and curiousity. The only difference is I have a choice (I think) People love my attention. That is what I can do from my position. Report on their lives to give insight and enlarge their self respect. And what counts for everybody the news most hidden is the news on your own doorstep.