Goliath is the most northern windmill in the Netherlands, along the Groningen coast. It was used to pump the wetlands dry since 1876 until 1979. The Groningen landscape is characterized by large empty spaces. The large turbines change landscapes where ever they are placed. Landscapes change, by nature of by man. The speed at which landscapes can change generally evoke strong emotions. When society sets new goals not just the landscape changes, but the perception of the viewer as well. The Dutch landscape has been subject of constant change in the past centuries. The reclaiming of the land from the sea itself was a technological process that altered so much. With windturbines a new inevitable era has commenced in which clean energy is a must. In some places the relationship between the turbines and the landscape can work. In this place, the Eemspolder it is my personal opinion that just a few of these turbines already create a sense of full. And do no justice here to the traditional landscape of Groningen nor to the legacy of Goliath. Of course, immediately the question rises “if not there than where ?”. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to place the turbines on land in less open spaces, where they don’t stand out too much.

Serie photographed in 2012