New artwork chosen for Palenstein

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 - represents the interplay of cultural and social customs surrounding many coffee cultures and the togetherness that comes with it. With a percolator you make delicious coffee in a simple way. No frills with complicated devices, but an honest cup of coffee accessible to everyone. And who does not like a good cup of coffee, during a moment of rest, enjoying on the bench with a view of the water and time for a chat with anyone?

Design

The meters high artwork is composed of 2 parts; the coffee pot and the pedestal. The coffee pot is simple and characteristic in form, all-sided and therefore easily recognizable from all sides. It is executed in a shiny metal and reflects the sky and the surrounding buildings of Palenstein. Part of the pedestal is a bench overlooking the water and the neighborhood. The pedestal will be clad in a sustainable type of wood.

ONE MORE CUP OF COFFEE FOR THE ROAD is an ode to coffee, the coffee pot and togetherness.

Project group of residents

A project group with residents considered what wishes and requirements the artwork in Palenstein should meet. They also chose the work of Q.S. Serafijn and Jan Willem Terlouw from 59 other submitted portfolios. Together with 3 other artists, 4 proposals were presented. The idea of Q.S. Serafijn and Jan Willem Terlouw appealed most to the project group. The project group will remain involved throughout the art project.

A resident from the project group: "There is guaranteed to be a solid, beautifully usable, unforgettable sculpture in the center of the neighborhood. The whole of Zoetermeer is going to be talking about that.... A real meeting place!"

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.

Want to know more about art in Zoetermeer's public spaces? Visit www.zoetermeer.nl/kunst.