About 'Kinder'
The bronze mother figure carries a child in her arm and holds another by the hand. Their golden hair catches the sunlight, giving the work a warm glow. Artist Mette Bus was inspired by the female form with its round, powerful shapes. The sculpture was unveiled on Mother’s Day in 2012 after being chosen by residents during a neighborhood voting day.
The work continues to move passersby, as seen in the many responses from voters. Urszula writes: “A beautiful sculpture, in a place where everyone is in a rush. It radiates calm and control. That mother has everything under control.” Ineke calls it: “So wonderfully beautiful. A gorgeous woman, a real mother. Proud with her children, an expression of happiness. Every time I pass by, I feel a smile and a sense of joy!” And Aldert describes Kinder as “original and defining for the area. It gives a positive association to the neighborhood.”
Heroes in the neighborhood
Kunstpunt Groningen, together with Stadsbeheer, manages and maintains public art across the city and highlights a selection of these works each year with the Kunst op Straat Award. This year’s theme was ‘heroes in the neighborhood’. For over two weeks, Groningen residents were invited to vote for their favorite from ten nominated artworks. Last year’s award went to Tonny van Leeuwen by Lia Krol near the Euroborg stadium.
Guardians of Grunn
The closing event took place as part of Guardians of Grunn, a project by Nathalie Hartjes developed on behalf of Kunstpunt Groningen. Hartjes was inspired by the way public art can offer support and meaning to residents: “Who are our heroes today? Why do we draw strength from the images around us? Guardians of Grunn invites the public to look at their surroundings with fresh eyes—and to create fan art or fan fiction inspired by their favorite works of art.”