The large scale installation is a contemporary portait of the seven phases of life for human beings. The view of life divided into seven chapters has been prevalent in the West for many centuries. Perhaps the most well-known referrence is Shakespeare’s famous text: ‘All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being in seven ages. [...]’ (quoted from ‘As You Like It’)

The seven monitors hang all the wall in pyramid form referring to the many prints and paintings of the ‘Levenstreppe’ (literally ‘stairs of life’). Seven black and white silent film portraits are arranged across the wall, ranging from a five month old baby girl, a forty year old man through to a seventy-seven year old woman. Ordinary Dutch people filmed in their own home environments. Very recognisable and all too human. Great care has been taken of composition and lighting. During the course of the day the portraits, although always arranged according to age, switch positions, just as life’s climax cannot be assigned to only one particular age, as was once traditionally perceived. The seven individual films form an intriguing and complex work, inviting careful attention and reflection.