A golden scooter made by Indian artist "Sobudh Gupta", placed in a small expansion of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam next to the "controversial" underpass. The underpass of the museum for pedestrians and cyclists was a hot item during the renovation of the museum. The director of the museum wanted to close the underpass for cyclists because of fear for accidents with pedestrians. The Cyclists Union has campaigned for years against this desicion until in Court and they won the case in the end. Scooters are not allowed, but the director has placed this piece of art visible next to the underpass as a subtle reference to the controverse.
Here a photo of last year of the Museum and the underpass.
Access vs. public safety--always a delicate balance.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenNice photos. When I saw the scooter all I could think of was James Bond and Goldfinger.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThat piece of art is such a cool photo to mark the controversy!!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenFun reminder of the controversy. Sre those milk cans on the back?
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWell, I can't imagine the chaos of having people walking through the underpass to be overtaken by a scooter. Very dangerous. Love the golden motorcycle.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWell, it seems these days so many things fall into one controversy or another! I am one for a healthy debate- but all talking aside, great photos. I have a piece very similar to your first one! I even staged one of my Elves on it (wearing a turkey mask for Thanksgiving Day here) but mine is a motor-cycle made up of nuts and bolts, and mostly silver and metal tones! Nothing as lovely as this gold!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAs with a lot of this modern art...I don't get it, but what you wrote helps.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI seem to remember that you mentioned this in a post a while back Marianne.. I enjoyed the director's subtle sense of humour :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWat zou de betekenis zijn van de melkbussen?
BeantwoordenVerwijderenQuite a standout sculpture. The museum itself is magnificent.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenInteresting story.......and sculpture!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenRuby
Love it when there is a story behind an exhibit.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGreat story and love the scooter and especially the melkbussen (haha geen idee wat melkbussen in het engels is)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIt's ad that some disputes have to be win or loss and no compromises.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDearest Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGuess the noise, pollution and danger of scooters being allowed, were factors that helped form the decision. Lovely piece of art!
Hugs,
Mariette
I this James Bonds Scooter. ha,ha. Always is delicate with decisions to change for safety. Nice looking museum.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI am pleased that I found this golden scooter done by Subodh Gupta following your comment on my blog. He is apparently based in New Delhi and most of his work makes reference to everyday objects seen in urban and rural India.
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