Windscreens (Windschermen – 2 parts)

About this artwork.

In 1998 the Gomarus College was expanded with a new school building. There is a street between the old and new sections. Martin Borchert was commissioned to create a piece of art that connects the two buildings of the Gomarus College, with the school as an institute to be used as the basis. 
 
Borchert designed two windscreens for the end walls of the buildings. The panels differ in colour and shape, but unmistakably belong together. On the old building hangs a white panel with black squares attached. On the new building hangs a blue panel with red/yellow hexagons. The squares and hexagons are suspended in such a way that they can rotate around their own axis. The wind sets the panels in motion and creates an ever-changing big picture.
 
The piece of art symbolises the transfer of knowledge, a process which, according to the artist, is not static, but is characterised by movement and interaction. Borchert expresses this dynamic process by allowing the wind to play an important role in his work. ‘While “pre-programmed” subject matter is transmitted via blackboard and computer within the walls of the school, the pupils, once outside in the playground, are free to “draw their own lessons” from the images on the windscreens, much like “reading” clouds’, according to the artist.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Martin Borchert

• District
  De Wijert

• Year of creation
  1997

• Art type
  Art in / on a building

• Material
  Stainless steel, Solid core plate, Nylon

• Dimensions
  h 5,60 x b 6,50 m