André Volten
Sculpture in Private Space, Sculpture in Public Space

Design: Gracia Lebbink / Hardback / Illustrated (colour and b/w) / 136 pages / Size: 23 x 29.5 cm
Dutch/English edition / ISBN 978-90-5662-151-3 / € 47.50

In association with André Volten Foundation
With the support of the Mondriaan Foundation and the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund.

André Volten (1925 - 2002) was one of the most important sculptors in the Netherlands. His sculptures are to be found in many collections, including those of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Kröller-Müller Museum and the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague. However, Volten realized the vast majority of his work on commission for public spaces. This meant he was required to give due consideration to the future surroundings of the sculpture, and in the creation process he collaborated closely with government bodies, architects, urban planners and other parties. Volten's monumental works, often constructed from stainless steel, are to be found throughout the Netherlands, within and close by schools, universities, offices, business premises and at other spots in the public domain. The sculptures demonstrate how art can complement and enhance architecture and space. Besides being an important protagonist in the debate around the need for art in public places through his actual work, Volten was also actively involved in numerous art committees and advisory boards.

This richly illustrated monograph includes an autobiographical text by Volten about his life and work. Rudi Oxenaar discusses the place of Volten's highly consistent oeuvre, which spanned more than five decades, in the history of Dutch and international sculpture, while Hein van Haaren's text focuses on the role of commissions in the creation of sculptures.