Bridgekeeper

This was made in honor of Arie de Weerd, who was the last bridgekeeper of the iconic Hef bridge that the artwork is adjacent to. Arie worked at the bridge for 30 years and this fact inspired the artist duo to create an homage to this important but mostly unseen profession. We see the bridgekeeper operating the gigantic steel bridge, like he did for so many years.

The Hef bridge (official name Koningshavenbrug) was built in 1927. For a long time it was the main rail connection to Rotterdam from the south, until it was replaced by a tunnel. Since then it has become a momumental bridge and from 2014-2017 the bridge has been completely restored. Now it spends it days mostly in opened position so it does not disturb the shipping traffic. The bridge is an icon for the people of Rotterdam.

This piece was a part of POW!WOW! Rotterdam 2021 festival.