Invitation by Reinier Hoon – Monday 1 December at 11 a.m.
Hoeve Kesselt/Goutte, Riemst
Burgemeester Marresbaan 22
3770 Riemst, België
Research proposal – Brassica field presentation @ Hoeve Kesselt/Goutte, Riemst
Hereby, I would like to invite you all to visit this year’s plot of experimental crosses in Brassica oleracea (cabbage), which is part of the trial field at Goutte/Hoeve Kesselt. The plot consists of a family cross developed by Dutch breeder Edwin Nuijten and includes varieties of kale, broccoli, savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. In total, it showcases 140 first- and second-generation crosses derived from eight mother plants.
This experiment forms the background against which I would like to introduce you to the Artistic Research proposal I have been developing over the past three months. With a focus on cabbage, the project explores how artistic research can be practiced through plant breeding, and how breeding itself can be reimagined as an artistic process. It responds to the erosion in plant breeding caused by the dominance of F1 hybrids and patented traits, and proposes an alternative path grounded in radical diversity — both genetic and cultural. Through collective imagination and participatory breeding, the project questions dominant methods, approaches to innovation and creativity, and conventional views of what counts as “relevant” plant material. Instead, it reframes plant improvement as a cultural and aesthetic experiment, opening a dialogue about new, meaningful plant types and empowering (hobby) growers to embark on their own creative breeding trajectories.
