Rise and Stumble
2025 | HD Video | 3’35”
Rise and Stumble was created for an exhibition centered on the work of Dutch artist Bas-Jan Ader, whose videos and performances often depict him falling. In contrast to Bas-Jan Ader's “fall,” Beckers emphasizes the less heroic stumble. He explores how the cause of a fall and the terminology we use for such an unfortunate event influence ourselves and the world around us.
In the video, the artist can be seen putting several kinds of fruit into a paper bag, apparently after they have just fallen out. When he finishes and picks up the bag, it tears, and the fruit spills on the floor, putting him right back where he started.
“When as a child I told my mother that I had fallen, she would immediately get worried and ask me: “Are you OK? Did you hurt yourself?”. But If I told my mother I had stumbled, she would instead get angry and tell me that I should watch where I walk. ”
Realized with the support of the Mondriaan Fonds
Camera & Light: Marcel IJzerman
Assistant: Kjettil Gerritsen
Special thanks to KASK, Ghent