Light sculpture at Fort van Hoofddorp connects

The artwork is located in the middle of the fort moat. “The fort used to be completely surrounded by water and you could only reach it via a footbridge. That bridge is gone, but the pillars are still there. The artwork was placed there,” says Serge Schoemaker. He is the architect responsible for the renovation of the fort in 2018-2020. Serge has made more spatial light installations in the past. He realized this light sculpture in the fort moat on behalf of the municipality of Haarlemmermeer and in close collaboration with artist Siba Sahabi.

Two triangles

It became a steel construction of two diagonally standing triangles that are illuminated at night. “The shape is a reference to the triangular shape of the fortress island,” says Siba. “One triangle points to the island, the other to the bank on the Hoofdweg. Just as the bridge used to be the connection between the fort and the surrounding area, the artwork is now the same.” 

Visible and accessible

It underlines the purpose of the renovation four years ago: to make the fort visible and accessible to the residents of Haarlemmermeer. This military structure from 1904 - part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam - lay neglected and hidden for decades. Since the restoration, everyone can go onto the island and visit the fort, experience the history, enjoy the park and cultural events and eat and drink in the restaurant or on the terrace. 

Eye-catcher

With a height of three meters and a span of six metres, Syndesmos is a large size. "It is the largest permanent outdoor artwork I have made so far," says Siba. “We really wanted an eye-catcher, something that attracts attention when you drive or cycle past,” says Serge. A conscious choice has also been made for modern and abstract. Siba: “The contrast creates a beautiful dialogue with the historical monument.” While the fortress is a massive and elongated structure, the sculpture has something airy due to its openwork shape and is directed upwards. 

Crane

It also weighs about 500 kilos. It was put into place two weeks ago with a crane and steel cables. “That was exciting,” laughs Serge. “We were afraid for a while that it would tip over, but luckily that didn't happen.” When the light strips were applied, the artwork was completely finished. Serge: “The light comes on when it starts to get dark and goes off again at twelve o'clock at night. A warm, white light that does not cause any nuisance to the environment.” Both Serge and Siba are happy with the result. “And of course we hope that others are too.”

The fort also houses a temporary exhibition by Siba Sahabi: Osiris, about power and influence. The exhibition consists of portraits of people who have or do not have power, with a crown on their heads that Siba designed especially for the exhibition. On view until July 17, Tuesday to Thursday from 17.00:22.00 PM to 12.00:23.00 PM and Friday to Sunday from XNUMX:XNUMX PM to XNUMX:XNUMX PM.

The Fort of Hoofddorp can be found at Hoofdweg 739.