Imagine these blocks could talk. What stories would Vier vormen in graniet tell?
Vier vormen in graniet is an artwork in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. André Volten created Vier vormen in graniet to offer an experience with the material. The artwork consists of four granite blocks. These blocks stand like upright ribs of a cube. They rest on a square base paved with cobblestones.
Each block has two polished faces. The other two faces are rough. The rough faces share an edge. The polished faces also share an edge.
From 1978 to 1994, Vier vormen in graniet stood near Sportpark De Eendracht. The site on J.M. den Uylstraat now houses the artwork since 1994. Until the early 1990s, this area was part of the sports park. Amsterdam needed space for housing at that time. So, the city took a portion of the sports park.
Consider the contrast Volten created. The polished surfaces reflect light. The rough surfaces absorb it. Feel the cool smoothness against the coarse texture.
Vier vormen in graniet invites interaction. Walk around the sculpture. Notice how the light changes. Think about the artist’s intention. Volten wanted you to experience granite in a new way. These blocks are not just stone. They are an invitation to touch and to feel. They are a connection to the earth.