Haven’t you always wondered if paradise could exist under a highway? Under Heaven 02 is our stop now. It is an artistic tableau by Leonard van Munster. This installation offers a striking contrast to its gritty surroundings.
Under Heaven 02 is located in Amsterdam-West. It sits on the border with Amsterdam Nieuw-West. The artwork forms part of a series that began with Under Heaven 01 in 2004. That first piece was a treehouse. It was destroyed during the demolition of the Post CS building. Under Heaven 03 is an artificial island. It is located on the Burgemeester Vening Meineszlaan.
Under Heaven 02 is also an island but a figurative one. It is a small paradise nestled beneath the Wiltzanghbrug. This viaduct carries the Rijksweg 10. It is one of the busiest highways in the Netherlands. The viaduct is squeezed between two apartment buildings called Max Havelaarflats. This location receives very little light.
Van Munster introduced sand, palms, and a small waterfall to a gravel area beneath the viaduct. This space is enclosed by iron fences. Van Munster navigated bureaucratic hurdles. He sought to improve what locals called the Gruwelkamer van Bos en Lommer which means the Chamber of Horror of Bos en Lommer. Due to the location above a national highway, Rijkswaterstaat also had to be involved.
Eventually, the artwork was installed. Contributors included the Rochdale housing corporation and the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts. The fencing limited access to the paradise. Yet, it also protected the art. The artist could use delicate materials without fear of vandalism. The pillars of the viaduct were repainted because of the art installation. They appear new as a result.
Sadly, in 2023, Under Heaven 02 suffered from vandalism. It started small with the fence being broken and parts stolen. By the end of October, the artwork was completely destroyed.
The Stadscuratorium explored the temporary nature of public art. Leonard van Munster often creates temporary artworks. He adds imagination to the city without waiting for a request. Under Heaven 02 stood as a mirage under the viaduct. Rijkswaterstaat issued a temporary permit for it. Over time, public appreciation grew. It received positive attention from the press and passersby. However, the materials used were not durable. The artwork showed signs of neglect after five years.
Under Heaven 02 prompts us to consider the lifespan of art. Should temporary art become more permanent? Is there a way to make ownership and maintenance of public art more fluid? Under Heaven 02 offers a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of beauty. It stands as a testament to the power of art to transform even the most unlikely spaces.