Pulse! (Puls!) (2 parts)

About this artwork.

The Nattebrug is located where the Helpman district begins, when approaching from the north. This bridge was once part of the fortifications on the south side of the city. The Nattebrug spanned the southern canal, now called the Helperdiepje. This body of water formed the municipal boundary between Groningen and Haren until 1884.
 
To celebrate the reconstruction of the Hereweg, the artist Bernadet ten Hove was commissioned to create a piece of art. The CBK Groningen, which issued the commission on behalf of the municipality, asked for an sculpture that addressed the historical significance of the site.
 
Ten Hove incorporated three key principles in her design. She used the monumental appearance of the Hereweg, which gives you the sense that this is a very old route out of the city of Groningen. Secondly, she wanted to create an entrance to Helpman on the Nattebrug, as a reference to the original separation between the city of Groningen and the hamlet of Helpman. Thirdly, she wanted to draw attention to “the poetry of this place that hardly reveals itself to the fast-moving passers-by”.
 

The artwork consists of two undulating panels – the undulation suggests the movement of water, in this case of the Helperdiepje. Holes have been made in the panels so that historical elements remain visible in the surroundings. The traffic islands where the road narrows on the bridge are used as pedestals. Those who pass between the two panels may once again have the experience of bridging and crossing borders.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Bernadet ten Hove

• District
  Helpman

• Year of creation
  1998

• Art type
  Freestanding sculpture

• Material
  Steel

• Dimensions
  h 3,95 x b 1,00 x d 4,50 m