The continuity of  Life
Sculptures by Govert Heikoop (1951 - 2007)

Linear sculpture with a balanced volume in a continuous organic form, without beginning, without end.  One could typify the sculpture of Govert Heikoop in this way.
His pieces fascinate, both in color and in form, but especially in their spatial effectiveness.  Regardless of where one stands or from which point one views, the sculptures circumscribe and possess space.  With their human measurements and their colourful forms inspired by nature, they invite the viewer to enter into a dialogue with them. The reward of such a dialogue is an unprecedented consciousness and experience of space.  Heikoop strives in his sculpture to bring form to a higher level of process.  Repeatedly he searches for the ultimate form which will make the intangible tangible.

 


Panta Rhei, 2004
 Panta Rhei (2004), a blue, linear sculpture with a characteristic continuous line, appears quite simple at first glance.  But behind the simplicity lies a search for a form which can express that which is inexpressible in words.  And when the form appears, the color follows, as though self-evident, in a  supportive and strengthening role.  The gleaming blue finish provides a perfectly balanced sculpture with a surprising lightness.  This apparent perfection in form and color is evident in all his recent work.  But it is a perfection which is not forced.  The final realization of each piece is the result of a long process of sketching, working with the wood, literally engaging with the material. The form doesn’t just happen, but is created in the process, intuitively and with the utmost concentration.  Here the artist is often inspired by the building patterns of nature herself, through observation of plant forms, elements from the aquatic world, or other organic structures.  This is not so surprising, as Heikoop recognizes in the magnificence of nature the symbolization of the continuity of life, without beginning, without end.

 


Exhibition Helga Hofman Gallery, Alphen aan de Rijn, 2005



Claire Begheyn
Nieuwe Uilenburgersterstraat 106
1011 LX Amsterdam
The Netherlands

 

T +31-(0)20-6257157
E clairebegheyn@planet.nl