De Wachter

Beneath the watchful gaze of a steel sentinel, we find ourselves at De Wachter. This isn’t your typical guard. De Wachter, created by Boris Tellegen in 2015, stands as a unique sculpture in Amsterdam-Zuid. It’s a guardian of sorts, overlooking a local children’s campus on Antonio Vivaldistraat. De Wachter is made of galvanized and stainless steel. From a distance, it might resemble a traditional gatekeeper. But up close, it’s clear this is no ordinary watchman. The structure is part human, part machine, a fantastical creation. The components seem almost randomly connected. De Wachter stands on two sturdy legs. The upper body is a whimsical jumble of metallic forms. It has a curious, almost playful quality. The artist himself described it as “a child leaning against a school wall” when it was initially placed against the campus building. Since 2016, however, De Wachter stands alone. It now casts its unique gaze across the bustling Zuidas district. The gleaming chrome steel reflects the sky. This reflection means De Wachter constantly changes color with the weather. On a gray day, it appears steely and imposing. Under a bright blue sky, it becomes a playful beacon. Tellegen, also known as the graffiti artist Delta, drew inspiration from the towering buildings of the Zuidas and children’s toys like Lego and robots. De Wachter bridges these two worlds, inviting children to see their surroundings in a new light. The imposing towers become friendlier, part of a landscape watched over by this quirky, metallic guardian. De Wachter is more than a sculpture. It is a reflection of the city, a meeting point of industry and imagination.