At every
turn in Groningen there
is always something unusual to be seen whether it be a building and its facade,
a statue of unusual proportions, a bridge or an artistic creation incorporated
into city life. But none can be more unusual than the one found close to
the canals edge along the Kleine der A. This rather unusual ‘art object’, is in
the form of an urinoir and is not only decorative but also functional.
This point
of relief was designed by the internationally acclaimed architect, Rem Koolhaas
and decorated by the master photographer and artist extraordinaire, Erwin Olaf,
both native Dutchmen. Its milky coloured glass is alive with black and blue
duo-tone figures large and small. These figures seem to be taking part in a
bohemian extravaganza, a re-occurring theme throughout Erwin Olaf’s work and in
keeping with the lifestyle of the man himself.
Its creation
came about to celebrate the cultural manifestation in Groningen ‘A
Star is Born’ in 1996. A festival organized by the local Council, where the city
became a stage for the entire summer and was filled with theatre, music and
other cultural curiosa.
So if you
are ever taken short whilst walking along the Kleine der A, it is
possible to relieve oneself in this public toilet, although I would advise
against it. For the more brave hearted of you who don’t want to listen to my
warning and are determined to view it from the inside…a clothes peg for your
nose is a must!
©
Alison Day
First
published in the Connections magazine #9 October 2005
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