Sonja Oudendijk, 'Bellevue-tower', 1993

Location: Center of The Hague: Spui - Grote Marktstraat - Kalvermarkt

A gem stands in the center of The Hague. Sonja Oudendijk (1958) has incorporated precious-looking materials such as stainless steel, brass and enamel in her pedestal sculpture. It shines like gold and gleams like precious stones. The sculpture, which is slid around its pedestal like a sleeve and floats ten inches above the ground, is titled “Bellevue tower” (Beautiful view tower).

Since 1983, Oudendijk has been making sculptures from contrasting materials such as fur and copper, wood and glass. In the first years organic forms predominated, but after 1985 austere, rhythmic compositions developed alongside them. Oudendijk usually displays her sculptures in carefully decorated surroundings, resulting in an alienating, magical atmosphere. She acquires her ideas during distant travels. Main sources of inspiration were rituals, power symbols and fetishism (object worship).

Oudendijk's stools are well-known.Taken from all parts and cultures of the world, she cast these seats and presented them as (utility) sculptures.According to the artist, the old stools tell something about the habits of a certain population group. Moreover, they seem to want to indicate that we should take time to talk to each other more often.

Whether “Bellevue tower” is to be taken ironically or literally, Oudendijk leaves it up to the viewer.Because of the materials used, her pedestal sculpture exudes grandeur that the city of court also appropriates.The stylized stork from The Hague's city arms is explicit; the pastilles refer to a court jester.The pointed, golden top resembles a crown and again indirectly refers to the royal family that lives and works here.With “Bellevue tower,” Oudendijk provides a visual metaphor for the city of The Hague that has several layers of meaning.

Characteristic is her sense of aesthetics and detailing. So is her interest in the value of traditions and cultures. In Bellevue Tower, Oudendijk has brought together the historical and cultural peculiarities of The Hague.