Lucien den Arend Homage to Oud and Van Doesburg (1986)

This concrete sculpture by artist Lucien den Arend has stood near Marconiplein metro station since 1986. They are three gray plates offset from each other, which were painted white at a later stage in consultation with the client. The geometric work is a tribute to the architect Jacobus Oud (1890-1963) and the artist Theo van Doesburg (1883-1931), both of whom were associated with De Stijl and were involved in housing projects in the nearby Spangen district. Homage to Oud and Van Doesburg has been realized in the percentage scheme for the construction of the metro station. Part of the money that was available for a work of art at Delfshaven station was used for Marconiplein station, which is an important traffic junction. Fourteen artists registered for the commission for a spatial artwork. Marconiplein is richly equipped with light poles, traffic signs and overhead lines for trams. Nevertheless, the artwork is clearly visible due to its placement and scale in relation to the station halls and the streets leading to the square. The plates each weigh 28.000 kg. The sloping surfaces contrast with the horizontals and verticals in the surrounding area. The artist - observing from the Europoint towers - chose the color white because it harmonized with the colors of the environment.