Jewels (2010) Hans van Bentem

Artist Hans van Bentem has a figurative style with exuberance and many references to all kinds of visual cultures, in which he mixes symbols with alienation, accumulating meanings. Among other things, he makes large chandeliers in the shape of a skull or weapons, in which street art, underground or media images come together with art history. This one Jewels for the Pimpernelstraat, huge oversized jewelry is a reference to the bling bling that you can see on the street, but is now suspended as high art between homes, with the reference to chandeliers also bringing out the idea of ​​interior lighting. The light artwork Jewels is specially made for the Pimpernelstraat. The residents of the street had to deal with renovations and associated inconvenience for a long time, after which the Vestia housing association gave the jewelery as a gift to the street. The two enlarged jewels together form a crown, earrings and necklace, and are made of one-sided transparent, mirrored glass, stainless steel and LED light. During the day, the jewels with a diameter of one meter sparkle in the daylight and reflect the surroundings. In the evening the light shines from within and the jewels change color.