Under the Torenvliet Bridge in Oegstgeest and over the 56m long wall, giant ships are slowly sailing through a series of brilliant suns.

Rhei-Rhei (Rhine Flows) is ia wall-design inspired by the close-by river Rhine. Both in it’s concept as well as in the choice of materials and colours, this work reflects the perpetual motion and change inherent to this river: it’s steady flow, varying weather-conditions, colour transition of the river banks through the seasons and a busy water-traffic.

The design is composed of flat elements mounted directly on the wall. All elements are combined from two basic shapes: the “Rhine ship” and a circle. Ship as the connection between river and man. Circle as a sun, a ship-window and a symbol for infinite movement.

The ship-shapes shift in two directions with respect to these circles. The circles are arranged on the wall on a regular distance. The movement of the ships between the ‘suns’ always generates new abstract forms in the design. The pattern is dynamic and balances between abstraction and figuration. The representation is symmetrical and can be read by the passers-by from both directions.

Daylight is scarce at this location, therefore the choice to work with light-sensitive materials: glass and stainless steel. The RVS ships and the stained glass circles mirror the surroundings and the passers-by. They attract and reflect the day-light. The dark wall of the underpass is lit-up in a natural way, which improves the social safety of this difficult location.

The work is integrated in the environment and, through the play with  light and reflection in the composition of its ever-changing design, Rhei-Rhei adds an extra dimension and value to the place.