“Pearls or beads are a common thread in my work,” says Laura. “There is a strong link to my Rwandan roots and the significance of pearls in the pre-colonial past. They were used as currency but also as jewelry.” The metaphor becomes even stronger when you connect the pearls, she explains. “Literally and figuratively, the necklace forms a lasting connection of personal stories.”

Tryout in Rwanda
“I was invited by a therapist friend to attend a session with women who had experienced sexual violence. I especially didn’t want to act as a therapist because that’s far outside my comfort zone. However, I was given the opportunity to work with them and engage with the subject matter. For the first time, through trauma, I made pearls with several people. I didn’t need to say much, but during and after the process, I saw a lot of peace, relief, and forms of healing. That was a relief for me, and it gave me the confidence to continue working on this in Brussels.”

Creating Democratic Art
“This participatory artwork is the perfect match between SOS Children’s Villages and myself.” According to Laura, it also represents the future solution for creating monuments in a more democratic way. “Everyone can leave a mark, and this leads to participatory art. For me, it has become the natural way to work, but it’s still new for all of us. We are learning a lot simply by doing it.”

Learning Experience
The collaboration is not hierarchical; there is no single leader in this project, and it involves a lot, especially on a technical and practical level. “The materials must also be manageable for children, while at the same time meeting many other requirements: the beads need to be fireproof and durable.” The process has become a learning experience for the artist, the participants, and the city of Brussels. “Soon, we might be able to publish a handbook: ‘How to Create a Participatory Monument Together’.”