“Allotment Gardens” is how Herbert Nouwens aptly named Suite 5. Brettensuite 5/20 stands here at the edge of the path. This path invites you into the enchanting world of allotment gardens. Notice how the path forks. One way leads diagonally to the left between the allotments. The other curves gently to the right. Brettensuite 5/20 Sculpture stands proudly at this junction.
Herbert Nouwens created the Brettensuite. It is a series of twenty sculptures. They engage in dialogue with the Brettenpad’s diverse landscapes since 2015. Nouwens thoughtfully selected locations. He wanted to place landmarks along the Brettenpad. This path stretches seven kilometers. It begins in Westerpark in central Amsterdam. It ends in a rural environment at the city’s outskirts.
Look closely at Brettensuite 5/20. The sculpture has four legs. None of them are the same. They are thick and thin. Some are wider and cracked. These legs support a mass of steel. It appears to have been placed carelessly on top.
Imagine the artist at work. The grasshopper-like legs seemed to buckle under the weight. He quickly welded in a few more diagonals. This averted the danger of collapse. The Brettensuite 5/20 looks fragile. It appears shaky and top heavy. It seems improvised and unbalanced. Yet it is strangely convincing.
Consider the artist’s knowledge. Without it and without a feel for weight and mass this construction would have collapsed long ago. Nouwens understands construction. He also understands load bearing capacity.
Herbert Nouwens drew inspiration from musical suites. Suites are collections of short musical pieces. Composers like Bach created them. The sculptures relate to one another. They form a series of dances. Each sculpture in the Brettensuite is a unique artwork. Together they form a cohesive whole.
The West Art Stimuleringsprijs recognized the Brettensuite in 2015. The jury praised how it integrates art and culture. It blends these seamlessly with other domains. The Brettensuite enhances the Brettenzone’s allure. It adds anchor points to even the less prominent spots.
The rusty Corten steel gives the Brettensuite a recognizable unity. Each sculpture has surprising and exciting elements. Close up they are different from what you thought from a distance.
Take a moment to appreciate the surroundings. The Brettenpad is marked with green dots. To the left of the dots is the cycle path. To the right is a hiking strip with side paths. The path is named after a former inn called “Het Huis Bretten.”
The Municipality of Amsterdam calls this the last “urban wilderness.” It features Dutch vegetation. You will see willows, alder, birch and oak. Rare species thrive here too. Cuckoo flowers, reed orchids and swamp milk thistle all intertwine. This creates a paradise for city dwellers.
As you leave Brettensuite 5/20 behind notice the blend of green spaces and urban elements. The sculptures enhance this path. They offer moments of reflection. They invite exploration and discovery. They show the unexpected beauty. They also highlight the harmony of nature.