Artwork Data

Title

Bellevue-toren

Artist

Sonja Oudendijk

Year

1993

Material

Roestvaststaal, messing en email

Dimensions

300 cm

Partial collection

Beeldengalerij

Artwork Location

Address

Open Opslag Beeldengalerij Zuiderpark, Den Haag

City district

Escamp

GPS data

52.057124623961, 4.2906085193215 View on map

Artwork Description

Text

There is a gem in the centre of The Hague. Sonja Oudendijk has used precious-looking materials such as stainless steel, brass and enamel in her pedestal sculpture. It shines like gold and glitters like precious stones. The sculpture, which is slid around its base like a sleeve and floats ten centimetres above the ground, is entitled 'Bellevue tower' (Beautiful view tower).
Since 1983, Oudendijk has been making sculptures in contrasting materials such as fur and copper, wood and glass. In the first years, organic forms predominated, but after 1985 she also started to create taut, rhythmic compositions. Oudendijk usually shows her sculptures in a carefully arranged environment, which results in an alienating, magical atmosphere. She gets her ideas from distant travels. Rituals, symbols of power and fetishism (object worship) were the most important sources of inspiration.

Oudendijk's stools are well-known. Taking them with her from all parts and cultures of the world, she cast these seats and presented them as (utility) sculptures. According to the artist, the old stools tell us something about the customs of a certain population group. Moreover, they seem to want to indicate that we should take the time to talk to each other more often.

Whether 'Bellevue Tower' is to be taken ironically or literally is left to the viewer by Oudendijk. Because of the materials used, her pedestal sculpture exudes the grandeur that the city of The Hague also aspires to. The stylised stork from the city arms of The Hague is explicit, the pastilles referring to a court jester. The pointed, golden top resembles a crown and refers indirectly to the royal family that lives and works here.
With 'Bellevue Tower', Oudendijk provides the city of The Hague with a visual metaphor that has various layers of meaning. Her sense of aesthetics and detailing is characteristic. This also applies to her interest in the value of traditions and cultures. In 'Bellevue Tower', Oudendijk has brought together the historical and cultural characteristics of The Hague.

Currently, this statue is stationed in the Zuiderpark.

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