Abstract

About this artwork.

In this artwork, bronze blades protrude in different directions from a central point. The two flat shapes are striking: a round shape and a bird-like shape contrast sharply with these capricious, somewhat fragile protuberances.
 
Abstract was installed at the Bacteriological Laboratory on Van Ketwich Verschuurlaan 92 in 1971 as part of the percentage scheme for government buildings.
In making the sculpture, Theo van der Nahmer had the idea of a highly magnified 'imaginary bacterium' in mind. This becomes immediately clear upon closer inspection of the work. As you walk around Abstract, the shapes are constantly changing, just like a bacterium under the microscope. After the relocation of the Laboratory, Abstract was relocated to the Van Iddekingeweg in 2013.

The imaginative design and capricious surface structure displayed in Abstract are characteristic of the work of Theo van der Nahmer. One of his most famous works is Flaneur on the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. It is an image of a typical Hague resident out for a stroll, inspired by E. Elias, a well-known journalist from The Hague.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Theo van der Nahmer

• District
  De Wijert

• Year of creation
  1971

• Art type
  Freestanding sculpture

• Material
  Bronze

• Dimensions
  h 3,30 x b 3,80 x d 2,00 m