Wrestlers (Worstelaars)

About this artwork.

The sculpture depicts a Gordian knot made of two Japanese Sumo wrestlers. Hans Mes created Wrestlers during the last year of his studies at Minerva Art Academy. He came up with the idea after watching video recordings in a gym where Japanese martial arts were demonstrated.

In Mes’ words: “The chiselling was such a challenge that, together with a classmate, I copied the key of the annex on Mussengang in order to continue working during the Easter holidays. On the last day of the holiday we were caught by the caretaker and accompanied off the premises by the police. Neighbourhood residents had heard us chiselling. After a standard reprimand from the director at the time and the return of our copied key, the matter was concluded.”

After he completed it, Mes offered the sculpture on lease to the municipality of Groningen, who then wanted to buy it. Despite opposition from the Minerva Art Academy, which thought it could claim copyright, Wrestlers was bought by the municipality one day after Mes graduated and placed at the swimming pool De Parrel. It was placed in its current location in 2000 following the redevelopment of the area around the Vensterschool.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Hans Mes

• District
  Selwerd

• Year of creation
  1979

• Art type
  Freestanding sculpture

• Material
  Bluestone

• Dimensions
  h 0,65 m (excl. sokkel)