High Tea on the Bed of the Sea
Interested in the symbolism of ship as representative of discovery, new life, adventure and the unknown voyage, Zatorski + Zatorski decided to create a “living artwork” of De Walvisch (The Whale): a unique and inspiring environment of a 19thCentury sailing Klipper that would act as catalyst for cultural exchange. The artists document their life aboard ship and use the space to stage artworks and performances. They also run The Salon from the ship, bringing together people from different disciplines to share ideas, perform, listen and embark on new creative journeys.
De Walvisch is featured in the 2023 Thames & Hudson publication Making Waves
Klipper-Speaker
Artist and musician Jimmy Cauty, working with scientists from Hull university, turns the ship into a giant speaker.
Jubilee Salon
On the historic Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pageant day, 3rd June 2012, Z+Z brought together leading contemporary artists Richard Wilson, Hew Locke, Matt Stokes, Doug Fishbone, Terry Smith and David Blandy, with musicians and performers for a “Jubilee Salon” from De Walvisch, part of the Avenue of Sail.
Becks Futures winner Matt Stokes researched the Bengali community of the East End and Bengali songs from the colonial period. He brought the singer Shahadat Hossain, who sang “Those Iron Gates” by Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Richard Wilson RA devised a ship’s horn performance, performed with artist Miyako Narita, timed for the Queen’s arrival at HMS president, directly in line with the stern of the ship.
Hew Locke RA designed a stunning black and gold Queen flag for the occasion, which was hoisted on the main mast.
Doug Fishbone ennobled himself through an internet title store for £18.85 to become Lord of Wansley Manor. An ennoblement ceremony took place on the bow deck of De Walvisch to the watching crowds in Hermitage Gardens, Wapping.
The Zatorskis and The Whale
“A sailing ship is the embodiment of our fantasies and fragility, a time machine to convene with the antediluvian human desire to go between worlds, to be free. It has a transformative effect on people, even moored she is in constant flux with the tide, wind, sunlight and even the mass of ourselves and what we bring to her. This flux and chaos allows chance to communicate, creating a door for the unconscious and the environment to enter our work. She is a continual reminder of the thin layer between us and oblivion. A massive memento mori”
121st Birthday Salon
Interdisciplinary artist Ansuman Biswas creates a composition of exactly 121 beats for the ships’ 121st birthday
Jem Finer and Marcia Farquhar present a spoken word and hurdy-gurdy performance
Mercury nominated folk singer and song collector Sam Lee chooses two songs for the ship
For more information about ongoing project The Salon, please click HERE)
The Piano
The performance of moving piano, filmed by Jimmy Cauty