Cube (1976) André Volten
Artist André Volten was commissioned by the TNO research institute (Dutch organization for applied science) to create a work of art for their new office building in Apeldoorn. From 1970 to 1972 he worked on three identical cube-shaped iron sculptures, which were intended as an ensemble. But because of financial limitations, TNO was only able to purchase two of the three works of art. This one Cube remained in his workshop until 1976, because then Volten got a solo exhibition in Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. The Cube was prepared during his exhibition Reliefs, plastics, models 1966-1976. It first stood outside in front of the museum on the street side, but later moved to the garden. The other two Cube sculptures were ultimately donated to the Kröller-Müller Museum when the TNO offices in Apeldoorn were closed. Due to the renovation of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Cube stored in their depot. The work has been outside all this time, so the work must be restored and then given a new place.
André Volten (Andijk, 1925 - Amsterdam, 2002) was one of the most important post-war Dutch sculptors. He developed a non-figurative sculpture with a lot of stainless steel. In the 1950s and 1960s, his work was characteristic of new developments in art. He has appeared in, among other places, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and in Duisburg, in group exhibitions and solo. In the public space he made many freestanding sculptures with a geometric design language. He has made seven works of art for Rotterdam. In 1966 he received the important oeuvre prize from the Fund for Visual Arts, Design and Architecture.