Hans van Bentem, 2006

Location: Shri Vishnu School, Abraham van Beyerenstraat 56

Hans van Bentem was commissioned to create a work of art for the new building, highlighting the Hindu-philosophical identity of the school. He designed—within his own visual idiom—ten sculptures that depict the ten incarnations of Vishnu in a contemporary manner. “Whenever the spiritual world is in danger, Vishnu comes to Earth in one of his many forms to save it…”

The works, executed in a vast array of techniques and materials, are placed in and around the school, forming one adventurous narrative: a journey through the world of art and culture! For example, on the top floor, there is a painted bronze sculpture of a wild boar balancing the globe on its tusks (Varaha). A water-spouting fish made of painted aluminum keeps an ark afloat on the playground terrace (Matsya). In one of the courtyards lies a large granite tortoise carrying a tower on its back (Kurma). There are several chandelier-like sculptures, a bronze dwarf that can transform into a large blue giant made of inflatable vinyl (Vamana), and a lion’s head made of neon and flashing lights (Narasimha).

The artworks are fully integrated into the daily life of the school: the mother-of-pearl Krishna statue is ‘secretly’ patted and kissed by passing toddlers.

Additional financial support: Mondriaan Fund.