Revisiting The Cullinans
“Revisiting The Cullinans” is a series of nine glass sculptures displayed across the facades of recently revitalized Asscherkwartier in Amsterdam South.
The inspiration behind this work is the remarkable story of Joseph Asscher and the Cullinan, the world’s largest diamond. Similar to Asscher’s creation of nine distinguished jewels from the Cullinan diamond in 1908, I’ve designed and casted nine glass sculptures that reflect the history and identity of Asscher neighborhood.
The sculptures highlight specific features of three prominent historical buildings in the area: the ornamental facade of the old Town Hall of Nieuwer-Amstel (C1, C5, C7), the geometric architecture of the former Theosophical Temple (C3, C4, C8), and the Asscher Diamond Factory’s role as a diamond polishing factory (C2, C6, C9).
The series is developed and produced through a combination of different traditional techniques and innovative approaches in close collaboration with craftmen from Van Tetterode Glass Studio and Fiction Factory.
For more information about the project, visit amsterdam.nl/buitenkunst. The work is also part of the new audio tour Kunstroute Zuid, available on the same website.
“Revisiting The Cullinans” is supported by the AFK (Amsterdam Fund for the Arts).
Photos by R.Goslinga
...............................................................................................
Asscherkwartier, De Pijp, Amsterdam, 2023
Material: casted glass (crystal and glasma) and stainless steel / Size various: ± 35 x 50 x 12 cm
Commissioned by Municipality Amsterdam