7Peren

7Peren is a contemporary art project that comprises seven pear-shaped sculptures and an evolving digital archive. The project was launched in 2020 by an anonymous European collective and has been presented at several venues since 2021. The name combines the number seven with Peren, the Dutch word for pears, signaling a meditation on abundance, growth, and impermanence.

Conceptually, 7Peren explores cycles of harvest and decay, memory, and community sharing. Each of the seven installations centers on a pear form that houses an audiovisual environment: layered light sequences, a soundscape produced from field recordings, and scent elements that evoke fresh and rotting fruit. The works are designed to be encountered in sequence, inviting visitors to reflect on time and value.

Form and technology: The pear sculptures are made from translucent bio-based resin with embedded LEDs; motion sensors trigger different light and sound states as spectators move. An accompanying digital archive stores sketches, interview transcripts, and process notes, accessible via a QR code at each site and through a web interface.

Reception and impact: 7Peren has been noted for translating abstract ideas about time and care into perceptible experiences. Critics emphasize its accessibility and collaborative approach, though some note that the physical installations require specific spaces. The project continues to evolve with new site-specific iterations and updates to the online archive.

Related topics include memory in sculpture, interactive installations, and food as material culture.