Photo Roelof Kleis And thus, those who traverse the bridge between Forum and Orion are no longer accompanied by the sounds that are part of the installation. According to its spiritual father Marten Scheffer, the bug is an indirect victim of the genocide in Gaza. He is frequently asked about the bug’s welfare.
‘The protestors saw it as a great location from which to hang a banner, and justly so’, Scheffer states. Within this context, “must leave” is very symbolic. However, I expect the fragility of the bug was not taken into account when the banner was hung and later removed.’
Occupation
As a result, one of the bug’s legs is damaged, the letters reading Must Leave are loose, and there is no longer any sound. The latter issue started almost simultaneously with the pro-Palestine occupation of the bridge. The sound was switched off to ensure the protestors could sleep at night.
You’d think it’s just a question of plugging it in, but it’s not that simple
Marten Scheffer, professor of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management
When it was discovered that the protestors were leeching electricity for their comfort, WUR disconnected the supply. The electricity supply remained switched off after the occupation stopped. ‘You’d think it’s just a question of plugging it in, but it’s not that simple. A third-party company must be recruited to investigate whether the power supply under the bridge is still safe to use after the protestors’ actions.’
Artist
That will likely take a while, according to Scheffer’s estimate. Repairs to the bug require the maker, Danish artist Vagn Iversen’s help. He has visited Wageningen on several occasions to repair the art piece when it was damaged due to vandalism and storms. Must Leave is the most photographed art piece on the campus.
