Yesterday, 65 people came through my exhibition at Papa Douala. I love these moments — when I get to tell my story and define it at the same time.
I always say: “Do you have questions? Don’t hesitate — I have a lot of answers.”
What I make comes from found objects. Every object carries unfinished stories — where it was made, what material, who owned it, how it ended up on the street or the beach. “Away” doesn’t exist. Things are never really thrown away. They always go somewhere.
A group came in — French, English, kids in tow, some from America. I pointed to one of the works and asked: “What do you think this is made of?”
A football. Found at the beach in Italy. Made in Italy. I removed the inner rubber ball — what’s left is the outer shell, fake leather, deteriorated, now just a fluff of polyester threads.
One of them said: “Oh, you found Wilson.”
If you know the Tom Hanks film — you know Wilson. The football on the island. The one he gave a face and talked to.
I made this piece in Rome, January 2024, still mid-journey. And now it has another layer of story. I just had to laugh.
Of course its name is Wilson.
Wilson is for sale. €200. Contact me if he needs to come home with you.
📍 I’m at Papa Douala again today, 14:00–19:00
Avenue Adolphe Demeur 12, Sint-Gillis
Parcours d’Artistes — nr. 88 on the map
Come find me. Come find Wilson.
