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Abstract Tableaux (24 pieces)

Anno Smith

About this artwork.

In groups of eight, 24 abstract tableaux of glazed terracotta decorate three side walls of houses on the 16 Aprillaan (16 April Avenue); all of which are by the Groningen ceramicist, Anno Smith.

In the post-war period, Anno Smith made many hundreds of porch and facade decorations for the city of Groningen, intended for residential complexes, schools, shops and factories, among other things. 

Smith mainly depicted everyday objects and scenes: fish, flowers, playing children and working craftspeople. By decorating the severe, strict and uniform architecture that is so typical of the post-war period with individually designed pieces, each building was afforded an identity of its own; an identity that also immediately marks these pieces as Smith’s. His clients wanted uplifting pieces that made art accessible and understandable to all, especially those living in buildings decorated with his work."

In the summer of 2024, the middle of the three residential blocks, 16 Aprillaan 2, 4 and 6, will be demolished. Anno Smith's eight ceramic tiles will be incorporated into the new construction at this location.

 

 

Location.

Rode Kruislaan 82, 84, 86, 16 Aprillaan 2, 4, 6, 16 Aprillaan 1, 3, 5

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Facts & Figures.