Brenda Sculpture

Brenda, a seemingly abstract sculpture, stands before you. It’s a fascinating piece with a unique story. The Brenda Sculpture was commissioned by the city of Amsterdam for the Police Station Waddenweg in Amsterdam-Noord. This area lies on the north banks of the river IJ. The sculpture’s journey to its current location is a charming tale in itself. Originally titled “Discontinued Continuity,” the Brenda Sculpture was transported here by truck. The artist, Lucien den Arend, drove ahead of the truck. He discovered that the holes in the concrete base needed to be filled. The holes were too small for his hands. Den Arend enlisted the help of some schoolgirls. One girl, named Brenda, helped remove the polystyrene from the holes. This small act of assistance led to the sculpture being renamed in her honor. While some might see a resemblance to a boomblad, or even a shoehorn, the design is based on mathematical principles. It features two spiral forms, one right and one left, converging together. The rounded bronze contrasts beautifully with the sharp angles of the police station behind it. The sculpture sits on a wave-like concrete base, adding to its dynamic presence. It’s a captivating piece of public art, named after a helpful young girl. Brenda, the sculpture, remains as a testament to a spontaneous act of kindness.