In a world where the most beautiful places are flooded by fridge magnets and hoodies with embroidered city names, you would almost start to think that the buying and collecting of souvenirs has become the main goal, instead of the visit itself. Like it has become more important to let others know you went somewhere, than actually being there.
With Souvenirs artist Erik Kessels aims to encourage you to stand still and look around. You are here. Now. Together with someone else. Or perhaps alone. In the heart of Amsterdam, on the edge of a unique area: the Canal District. Take care of this world heritage site and know that your memory is worth more than an average souvenir.
Souvenirs was part of Edition #5 of Amsterdam Light Festival and consisted of two parts: this light artwork Souvenir and a museum on wheels containing objects connected to ten world heritage sites in the Netherlands. The canal belt of Amsterdam is one of them. The objects were designed by students of several design studies and provided a refreshing alternative to the often traditional and cheaply produced clutter that we know as souvenirs.