Magnificent buildings aside Groningen also boasts
400 sculptures and other artistic creations within its city limits. To be found
all over in parks, public places, on bridges and street corners, they are
permanently on show and open to the elements. Often we see them with such
regularity in our daily lives that we don’t really see them
anymore.
One such sculpture along the Boteringesingel in the
Noorderplantsoen is of a large bull, ‘de Wisent’ (European bison). Created by
the Groninger artist Wladimir de Vries (1917–2001), it measures two by three
metres long and weighs ten tons and is one of ten statures that can be
accredited to him in the city. The bull is a solid primitive form with limbs
and head fused into a solid imposing grey mass. Taking a year and a half to
sculpt during which eight tons of stone were chipped away before the creature finally
emerged.
A sculptor of the old school, Wladimir de Vries
would first work out his idea in clay, then once satisfied go to work on the
designated piece of stone with chisels and sledgehammers: a time consuming and
arduous task. His work is predominantly figurative which exudes a sense of
pride and joy. Woman is often a reoccurring theme; the sensual nature of which
often caused much debate with not only his clientele but also the public.
Probably his most renowned work is that of ‘Landbouw
en Veeteelt’ (Agriculture and Cattle breeding), to be found on the Herebrug
(Here bridge) and depicts an urban virgin. She is naked except for a few ears
of corn wrapped around her middle and has her foot placed on a calf lying at
her feet. In 1953, when it was placed on the bridge it was received with mixed
emotions. Some found her too naked, whilst others found the rather strange
proportions of her body disturbing. Children on the other hand, were bothered
by the plight of the poor calf under her large foot. However, over the years
she has obviously grown on the Groningers who have dubbed her ‘Blote Bet’ (Bare
Bet).
© Alison Day
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