SLAGTER

The name “Slagter” is a combination of the dutch words for “hitting/punching” and for “butcher”. An element of the “Blikkenleger” made six times bigger, that is how the form of the Slagter come to be. By increasing the size of the part in which the force is generated, the force itself is multiplied by six as well. And this would have the result that the paint can travel a distance that is six times further. In this device, a can of paint is smashed against an immovable obstruction. This is a counteractive movement. The can is held by an arm, which is made so that it holds the can tightly, but allows for its lid to move. The arm is pulled on from both sides by ropes that are tightened into strong tension. This force lifts the attached blocks of concrete, totalling a weight of 400kg, off the ground without a problem. This force is generated through torsion, and this torque is transferred to the arm, causing it to move towards the obstruction. The arm comes to a halt here, and must be moved back to a state of tension. This requires so much force that the construction itself has a tendency to move along. To counteract this movement, the artist himself must become part of the construction, so that the force can be generated in a closed circuit of machine and man. When the arm has reached full tension, it is released, and the arm holding the can violently returns to its resting position. During this, the can is effectively “butchered”, and its contents will find a way out.