Tribute , 's-Hertogenbosch
The sculptural objects, entitled "Tribute", are placed on top of a
more than 60-metre-high tower in the city of 's-Hertogenbosch and constitute an integral part of the city's skyline. The sculptures, created by artist Pim Wever, symbolise "friendship and connectedness'.
One figure, on the south facade of the tower, depicts a welcoming gesture, with outstretched arm and a subtle hand gesture as if waving to welcome visitors. In addition to this figure, on the east facade we see a second figure with a pointing gesture. Slightly leaning back, this figure seems to enter into a dialogue with the other, with the pointing pose suggests a connection between the Palace Quarter and the older parts of the city of 's-Hertogenbosch, the city centre, the Bossche
Broek, emphasising the historical significance of the city.
The sculptures, made of stainless steel, measure over 9 / 6.5 metres and weigh a tonne each. They are designed with slightly elongated limbs to enhance their gestures of 'welcoming, pointing and sitting'.
The material used has the property of alternating
way it adopts the ambient colours; under the influence of sunlight, they are they are sometimes very prominent, to then at another moment give an almost transparent impression.
The choice of open line figures ensures recognisability at long
distance; also, through the suggested transparency, the figures engage in a certain interaction with the surroundings; as if the waving man at moments plays with the clouds, birds and gliding
air balloons.
The placement of the figures on a corner of the tower provide a
surprise; from different viewing angles there is always a different image visible.
The sculptures are illuminated with LED lights, so that the whole
radiates soft yellow light at night, friendly to nature, and
constituting a beacon for the surroundings.
The concept behind "Tribute" is rooted in the idea of honouring
a long-term friendship, inspired by thoughts of a
boyhood friendship, symbolised by two figures triumphantly
waving and pointing atop the roof of their self-built hut.
The building, designed by architect Wolbrand van der Vis, with the figures by visual artist Pim Wever, is right next to the famous
Palace Bridge by architect Mels Crouwel and landscape architect Piet Oudolf, adds to the cultural landscape of 's-Hertogenbosch,
blending contemporary art with the city's historical and architectural heritage of the city.
This tribute to friendship was initiated by
John Groenewoud & Bart van Hoof from Den Bosch
and performed by visual artist Pim Wever.
Pim Wever, trained at the Academy of Visual Arts and
Design in 's-Hertogenbosch, is known for his artworks on
commissioned and autonomous artworks, whose pieces have made their way both in the Netherlands and abroad have found their way.