Noordereiland Drawings, Bart Lodewijks, 2020-2021
In about 1870 a narrow strip of Rotterdam-South was cut off from the rest by the construction of a new harbour, Koningshaven. This became Noordereiland, which is connected to the city by two bridges: the Willemsbrug and the Koninginnebrug.
In honour of the island’s 150th anniversary, I am descending on it for a year with my chalk and level. The foundation that commissioned me has a great-sounding name: Stichting Dragende Muur (Load-Bearing Wall Foundation). They have asked that I create a permanent work of art for the island; I want to make an artwork tailor-made for the locals, one that also lasts 150 years, without wearing through.
But who exactly are these island inhabitants? To get a feel for that, I begin by laying down a bed of chalk. Only then can I dare start thinking about something that might remain.
Bart Lodewijks
