Artwork Data
Artwork Location
Address
Van Ouwenlaan, Den Haag
City district
Haagse Hout
GPS data
52.1028231710559, 4.32700644932147 View on map
Artwork Description
Text
Although it is quite high, the concrete wall of Otto Hajek is not immediately noticeable. The wide intersection and the tall trees that grow luxuriantly in the immediate vicinity of the statue demand attention at first sight. However, once the statue is in sight, it is almost automatically drawn to it. The wall is reminiscent of a roughly worked canvas. The peculiar protrusions raise questions. Although it is not a climbing wall, the excellent abstract elements do offer climbing possibilities, but that was certainly not the artist's intention.
The German abstract painter and sculptor Hajek trained at the Staatliche Akademie voor Beeldende Kunsten in Stuttgart, where he studied sculpture. The second and third editions of the leading art manifestation Documenta in Kassel (in 1959 and 1964 respectively) featured his work. The artist owes his international fame to these presentations. But the efforts he made to improve the social position of German artists also earned him a great deal of praise and appreciation (especially in his own country).
In his work Hajek combines specific characteristics of painting and sculpture. The sculpture that was placed in 1966 on the edge of park Clingendael (corner of Ruychrocklaan) is in this respect characteristic of his working method. The sculpted wall offers a picturesque view. The artist worked a lot with steel and concrete. He not only created sculptures in public spaces, but also indoor sculptures and large colourful murals on the exterior facades of commercial buildings and office complexes.