Marabous ‘the Conversation’

Willem Lenssinck

Willem first created the Marabous in ceramics for a retirement home in Alphen aan de Rijn. There, he had to make a ceramic panel from the baseboard to the ceiling on five floors. These were so-called orientation panels. When people stepped out of the elevator, they could see if they were on the right floor. Alphen is also home to Avifauna with all kinds of birds, which served as a beautiful source of inspiration. On the side, you can see birds displaying courtship behavior next to the elderly having a festive evening. While installing, Willem observed the seniors gossiping about each other. The architect asked him to create a gift for the entrance. This became a ceramic version of the Marabous with their beautiful bald heads, gossiping and whispering. After this, the bronze models were created. The small one was made first and then scanned. Subsequently, the large one was cast, which was extremely complex due to the explicit shapes.

168 x 35 x 40 cm | 68 x 24 x 25 cm

Bronze & Granite

2017

Mentioned in monograph p. 251