Untitled (1976) André Volten
Volten was an artist who often built his works from simple shapes, such as the cube, column and sphere. He was progressive in his use of industrial materials. For example, he started working as a welder at the shipyard in Amsterdam-Noord, in order to fully experiment with steel. With his sculpture, he has made an important contribution to the development of art in the public space in the Netherlands. In 1976, Volten realized this work of art with a total surface of 40 by 40 meters, made in the percentage scheme for the new building of the Municipal Drinking Water Pipeline (DWL), where Evides is now located. Project architect was the Dutch architect Wim Quist (1930-2022). The artwork consists of a series of eight hook-shaped Corten steel objects, which are shaped and bent in different ways, creating an exciting three-dimensional work. The work was located on Evides' own property, making it difficult to see from street level. However, the work was visible from the west side of the Van Brienenoord Bridge, until 2023. Due to the expansion of Quist's structure and the construction of a parking lot, the artwork was removed and dismantled in 2023. The work is stored awaiting a new location where it can be relocated.
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.