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The 1976 stainless-steel sculpture 'Rhythmic Column' fits into the tradition of Constructivism. It is an abstract construction in a strict geometrical form language, in which dynamics are an important element. Because the hollow, square column is partly opened in an irregular manner, the right light creates a lively play of light and dark. A dynamic play of light as a representation of the elusive phenomena of space and time.

At the time, the maker, Pim van der Maas, moved in circles of Hague constructivists such as Henk van der Plas (1936), with whom he also exhibited. The first twenty years of his career as a sculptor are characterised by geometric abstraction. Van der Maas makes simple, thin tubular constructions and sculptures composed of triangles, rectangles and squares of sheet steel, such as his 'Composition' from 1968 and 'Rhythmic column' on the Thorbeckelaan.

Around the mid-1980s there was a change. In 1984 he started to work in wood as well as in metal. By choosing this material - much warmer, according to himself - the character of his sculptures changed. They remained abstract, but the design became softer and rounder. Cones and ovals, wavy and curved lines appear, and later shapes resembling leaves, fish and wings. He builds up his wooden sculptures from different layers, which he carves one by one in a whimsical way. From these incisions, signs eventually developed, which Van der Maas calls 'writings'. Van der Maas applies the 'writings' by carving a work of art in different places. He fills the resulting notches with a coloured synthetic material. These marks can be found on almost all of his later sculptures made of wood, steel or plastic.