UPDATED SCULPTURE #20 – NIJMEGEN – 2006
Smiley stickers added to an abstract sculpture from 1991 by Carel Visser.
UPDATED SCULPTURE #9 – AMSTERDAM – 2006
Masks added to ‘Monument gefusilleerde verzetstrijders’ (1954) by Jan Havermans.
UPDATED SCULPTURE #9 – AMSTERDAM – 2006
Dutch flag added to the sculpture ‘Scheibe’ (1996) by the German artist Ulrich Rückriem.
UPDATED SCULPTURE #11 – DEN HAAG – 2006
Balloons added to the sculpture ‘Vreugde’ (1962) by Rob Pleysier.
Why are there sculptures in the city?
For whom are they there?
What is the function or significance of abstract art in the city?
Does the ‘commemorative function’ of a monument lapse after a certain period of time?
To art works displayed in the public arena Harmen de Hoop has added funny things that, depending on the reactions of passers-by, stayed there for varying periods of time. Sculptures that have been standing there for so long that passers-by have become oblivious to them are now becoming noticed again.
Such updates mask a commentary on aspects of todays ‘fun culture’ (which says that art must not be too difficult or demanding, but rather cheerful and accessible).
The sculptures he selected are all the creation of artists from older generations. Maybe artists who influenced him when he was young. Unasked, he has entered into a collaboration with them, thus bringing their work ‘up to date’, that is, allowing them to take part in the ‘Society of the Spectacle’.
‘Yes, The Times They Are A-Changin’.
MUSIC #1 (PROPOSAL) – ETTENLEUR – 2008
Install a permanent soundsystem in the base of the sculpture by Kees Smout
and play the music by Giacomo Puccini continuously.
MUSIC #2 (PROPOSAL) – HAARLEM – 2008
Install a permanent soundsystem in the base of the sculpture by Theo van Reijn
and play the music of Nina Simone continuously.
MUSIC #4 (PROPOSAL) – DEN HAAG – 2008
Install a permanent soundsystem in the sculpture by Jack van Osnabrugge
and play the music by Edgard Varese continuously.
MUSIC #7 (PROPOSAL) – UTRECHT – 2008
Install a permanent soundsystem in the base of the sculpture by Lotti van der Gaag
and play the music of The Platters continuously.
MUSIC #6 (PROPOSAL) – ROTTERDAM – 2008
Install a permanent soundsystem in the base of the sculpture by Ossip Zadkine
and play the music of Intellect continuously.