City marker S01 Gate Tower Clio

About this artwork.

Near the oldest access road from the south to the city of Groningen is the electricity pylon with seven metal “flames” on it, which form the cycle of the week. A flame is lit on the first day of the week and one is added every day. On the mast, the number 10:40 lights up at twenty minutes to eleven in the evening. This is a reference to the year 1040 in which the city of Groningen is mentioned in a charter for the first time. Other elements also show that Kurt W. Forster opted for a historical approach and that was also the intention of master planner Libeskind, who linked the name of Clio, the muse of history, to the location of this city marker.
 
The flame shapes – in the original design they were gas burning flames – refer to the gas resources of Groningen. The placement of the city marker on an island in the water reflects the typical Dutch contrast between earth and water, and refers to the battle that people fought in the Groningen flatlands against flooding by the sea, at a time when there were no dykes yet.
 
Driving over the A28, the mast can be seen from afar. Space and time are marked for the countless commuters who pass this “city gate” every day. One drives into the city, one drives out of the city – and almost a day has passed.
 
The work forms part of the project Stadsmarkeringen, The Books of Groningen, marking the city boundaries.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Kurt W. Forster

• District
  Corpus den Hoorn, Hoornse Meer, Piccardthof

• Year of creation
  1990

• Art type
  Freestanding sculpture, Light artwork

• Material
  Metal, Halogen lamps

• Dimensions
  h 43 m.