Dominating this space are the imposing fists of “Your life is calling”. This sculpture is more than just art. It’s a statement.
“Your life is calling” rises defiantly from the earth. These clenched fists of reinforced concrete tell a story of protest. Artists Paul Pieck and Benno Réwinkel created this powerful piece. They completed it in their Amsterdam atelier.
Weighing over 5000 kilos, “Your life is calling” initially appeared on Museumplein in 1990. Pieck and Réwinkel protested the commercialization of museums. At the time, a Van Gogh exhibition drew huge crowds. The artists saw it as a “frietkraamkermis”, or a “chip stand fair”. They felt it overshadowed the true artistic value.
Imagine the scene. Strict security surrounded Museumplein. Yet, the artists managed to install their sculpture without permission. Officials assumed it was part of the Van Gogh event.
Around 1998, Museumplein underwent renovations. “Your life is calling” was removed. Pieck and Réwinkel protested again. They wanted their artwork to remain visible.
Initially, there was talk of relocating it to Roelof Hartplein. This plan fell through. Then, the Stichting/Vereniging Vrienden van het Beatrixpark stepped in. They adopted the sculpture.
The group planned to use “Your life is calling” to protest against further highway construction. This construction would cut into the park. In 2007, the sculpture suffered severe damage. Fortunately, it was restored.
Pieck and Réwinkel continued their artistic protests. They placed a bulletproof glass cube containing a hundred-guilder bill outside the Holland Casino. Later, they were arrested in Vatican City. They attempted to install a controversial artwork. It consisted of a concrete base, a wooden cross, and a bloody cow heart. They titled it “Deo Volente”.
“Your life is calling” remains a testament to the power of art. It challenges us to question the status quo. It reminds us to find authenticity in a commercialized world. It urges each of us to consider what our life is calling us to do.