Artwork Data
Artwork Location
Address
Eendenplein, Den Haag
City district
Leidschenveen-Ypenburg
GPS data
52.0655480568019, 4.41183353499667 View on map
Artwork Description
Text
Camel with girl' by the Italian artist Simona Vergani was placed in 2002 on the Duck Square between the primary schools 'De Walvis' and 'Waterland'. A 'wet' environment for a camel. Or is the square the oasis where he refreshes himself for his next journey?
Vergani gives the answer in her written motivation: on her first visit, the undulating architecture of the school surrounded by sand hills had reminded her of an oasis. The camel takes the girl on a hill in the desert'. Together with all the inhabitants of Vinex location Leidscheveen, they arrive at their new settlement.
Figuration and symbolism are often found in Vergani's work. She usually makes children and animals. The sculptures or groups of sculptures seem to tell a story, and that is appreciated. Vergani, who has lived in the Netherlands since her studies at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam, has realised numerous works for public spaces here. Despite this Dutch environment, her work is unmistakably Italian: she borrows her colours from the warmth of her native country, has bronze cast there and takes her marble from there.
Children especially love the sunny colours and the animals that stimulate their imagination. Staring from the school window, the camel and the girl take them to exotic places.