The red carpet (De rode loper – 3 parts)

About this artwork.

The Westindische buurt was extensively restructured between 1993 and 2004. The approach varied from major maintenance to demolition and replacement with new buildings. The Housing Association wanted to give something back to the residents following the drastic renovation and commissioned Gabriëlle Kroese, in collaboration with the CBK Groningen, to create an artwork. 
 
Kroese designed a “footpath” for the rear access lanes of three newly built residential blocks, in accordance with good Dutch tradition and as a kind of warm welcome for the residents. To reinforce that image, there is a “doormat” at the ends of each footpath – indicating access to the back lanes escape route. The three footpaths are laid out in oblong paving stones in the colours red, yellow, anthracite and grey. They each have their own pattern. For the Coranthijnestraat/Marowijnestraat that pattern consists of a kind of stylised wave motion; the Coranthijne and Marowijne rivers are the border rivers of Suriname. For the other two tokens, Kroese opted for a universal pattern “because of the multicultural character of Antillean society”, according to the artist. The patterns are enclosed by a straight ornamental line typical of a footpath. This line runs to the edges of the doormat.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Gabrielle Kroese

• District
  Korrewegwijk & De Hoogte

• Year of creation
  1999

• Art type
  Art in the road surface, floor or ground

• Material
  Concrete pavers

• Dimensions
  b 51,02 x 1,47 m