Badgasten Bob en Bo - Hengelo, NL
Posted by: 
PetjeOp
N 52° 15.961 E 006° 47.567
32U E 349382 N 5792921
In the city center of Hengelo you will find life-size bears.
The artwork is officially called 'Badgasten' (translation: Bathers)
Waymark Code: WM1682F
Location: Overijssel, Netherlands
Date Posted: 05/29/2022
Views: 1
Artist Marjolijn Mandersloot received the major art assignment for the market 10 years ago. The meter-high bears (officially called Badgasten) have caused a stir in recent years. There was considerable discussion about the arrival alone, as they would not suit Hengelo.
Mandersloot about the design at the time: "There is a good reason why they gather here. Hungry and curious, they are attracted by the food on display at the market and by the honey scent of the beehive in the Hengelo municipal coat of arms."
Artist Marjolijn Mandersloot
"With the sculptures of Marjolijn Mandersloot and Hans van Wezel we find ourselves in pleasant company. And even though recognizable human and animal shapes are an important source of inspiration, they mainly serve as a metaphor. Every sculpture seems to possess a fabulous acting talent. Body poses and material expression are used to create unique characters which are sure to move you. The omission of detail, expanding proportions or the focus on specific parts of the sculpture leads to a pleasant confusion and often even a smile.
Ambiguity suppresses narrative recognition and invites you to find a new interpretation. Do we actually see what we think we see? Heavy bronze sculptures seem to be made of liquid candle wax or soft rubber. And graceful objects of thick saddle leather breathe an atmosphere of traditional luxury. The titles add to the humoristic twist.
The material experience commonly seems to oppose the 'true' experience. We are seduced into exploring the borders between imagination and reality. And it is in the surprising tactility of the sculptures that we find their true attraction."
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