New artwork for Palenstein

Design

The 6-meter-high artwork "The Pillar of Palenstein: One More Cup of Coffee for the Road" will stand in the greenery near the Singel, close to the bridge to Palenstein's new square and Palenstein station. It consists of an aluminum coffee pot and a pedestal with a bench around it. The coffee pot has a simple, recognizable shape and is placed so that the spout points toward the old village. It subtly reflects the sky and surroundings. The pedestal is clad in durable wood and finished with a color stain that contrasts with the surroundings. The artwork symbolizes an ode to coffee, the coffee pot and togetherness.

Drinking coffee together

The world has different coffee traditions. The Dutch like to have a bakkie. 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 country's social and cultural life.

The coffee pot - the iconic Italian percolator moka raised on a pedestal - points to the cultural and social customs in various coffee cultures and the togetherness that comes with it. The percolator represents simplicity, accessibility and the shared experience of a good cup of coffee. From afar, the artwork marks the Palenstein neighborhood; up close, "The Pillar of Palenstein" invites 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 art Palenstein project group chose from 4 different presentations "The Pillar of Palenstein: One More Cup of Coffee for the Road" by Q.S. Serafijn and Jan Willem Terlouw for the Singelpark. The project group will remain involved throughout the art project.

Artist Q.S. Seraphim

During the commission to create the idea, artist Q.S. Serafijn passed away on June 1, 2024. Jan Willem Terlouw, in collaboration with Q.S. Serafijn's next of kin, will continue the development of the design and execution.

Q.S. Serafijn was a painter, sculptor and author. With the government as client, he realized several sculptures in public spaces such as the D-Tower in Doetinchem and the dog Mannes in front of the railway station in Assen. He was seen as a bright spot at the academies where he taught, because of his positivity, intelligence and humor.

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

Why a work of art

A work of art can mean many things. It can be a meeting point or a striking landmark. It can have a story or meaning. Provide recognition and connection among the people who use the place. Therefore, a work of art must be well attuned to its surroundings.