Harbour Cities 1 (London) 2007/08
acrylic paint on canvas 85 x 130 cm. 33.5 x 51.2"
PB.15.3.07.11
| The ‘Harbour Cities’ series is devoted to West European harbours and industrial cities that were heavily bombarded during the Second World War. These are, from west to east: London (Great Britain), Rotterdam (The Netherlands) and Duisburg (Germany). This website includes pictures of part 1 (London) and part 2 (Rotterdam). Part 3 (Duisburg) is not presented here. Elsewhere on this website, however, is an illustration of a painting from the ‘Duisburg’ series, Duisburg 3 (Dark Grey). |
The paintings are nocturnal landscapes marked by destruction. In addition to the stylised rivers and harbour basins, the picture surface is completely filled with structures that do not originate in the painting of streets and buildings, etc., but in the painting of texts relating to the bombardment. |
References
Churchill, Winston
'Blood, toil, tears and sweat'
First speech as Prime Minister, may 13, 1940, to House of Commons
Matanle, Ivor
Gedenkboek van de Tweede Wereldoorlog
1994 (3e druk),Rebo Productions, Lisse
Delen van 'De Blitz Een regen van bommen' p. 58 e.v.