New artwork for Palenstein

Design

The 6-metre high artwork 'The Palenstein Column: One More Cup of Coffee for the Road' will be placed in the green area near the Singel, close to the bridge to the new Palenstein square and Palenstein station. It consists of an aluminium coffee pot and a plinth with a bench around it. The coffee pot has a simple, recognisable shape and is positioned so that the spout points towards the old village. It subtly reflects the sky and surroundings. The plinth is covered with sustainable wood and finished with a colour stain that contrasts with the surroundings. The artwork symbolises an ode to coffee, the coffee pot and being together.

Drinking coffee together

The world has different coffee traditions. The Dutch like to have a cup of coffee. Italians drink their espressos standing at the bar. Austria is best known for its Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) where Austrians spend hours reading the newspaper and discussing new ideas with others. A coffee ceremony in Ethiopia is an important part of the social and cultural life of the country.

The coffee pot - the iconic Italian percolator moka hoisted on a pedestal - points to the cultural and social customs in various coffee cultures and the solidarity that comes with it. The percolator stands for simplicity, accessibility and the shared experience of a good cup of coffee. From a distance, the artwork marks the Palenstein district, from up close 'The column of Palenstein' invites you to take a moment of rest on the bench, with a view of the water and space for meeting and conversation.

Project group of residents

In the summer of 2024, residents of the Palenstein art project group chose 'The Palenstein Column: One More Cup of Coffee for the Road' by QS Serafijn and Jan Willem Terlouw for the Singelpark from 4 different presentations. The project group will remain involved throughout the art project.

Artist QS Serafijn

During the assignment to create the idea, artist QS Serafijn passed away on June 1, 2024. Jan Willem Terlouw will continue the development of the design and its implementation in collaboration with the relatives of QS Serafijn.

QS Serafijn was a painter, sculptor and author. With the government as a client, he created various sculptures in public spaces, such as the D-Tower in Doetinchem and the dog Mannes for the station in Assen. He was seen as a beacon of light at the academies where he taught, because of his positivity, intelligence and humor.

QS Serafijn: "Art is fun. This is the fun: solving problems that don't matter. Artists who think their work affects the well-being of the world are idiots. Not right in the head, as they say at home. Art is pleasure. Pleasure-for-nothing. It keeps you healthy (if you're lucky). But above all, artists solve problems that don't matter. That's courageous."

Why a work of art

A work of art can mean a lot. It can be a meeting point or a striking landmark. It can have a story or a meaning. It can give recognition and connection between the people who use the place. A work of art must therefore be well attuned to the environment.