Currents
January 2018
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the latter displaying the darker side of human (and
fairy tale) behavior. Otterness’s sculptures, while
whimsical, often incorporate provocative details. His
art, in the unlikely venue of Scheveningen Beach,
enchants children and intrigues adults.
Not to be overlooked is the sculpture, “Light of the
Moon,” a dark mask-like creation by Polish sculptor
Igor Mitoraj (1944-2014). Although the form is atten-
uated, missing its forehead and chin, the eyes, nose,
and lips lose none of their gravitas. No sculpture in
Scheveningen shocks, or provokes the surreal, more
so than Mitoraj’s large semi-face, half-buried in a
sand dune. Mitoraj enjoyed international fame, with
“Testa Addormentata,” a bandaged head a London’s
Canary Wharf, “Luci di Nara,” in front of the British
museum, and “Centurione III,” in Regensburg, Ger-
many, being among his best known.
The outdoor sculptures are adjuncts of the
Museum Beelden aan Zee, a contemporary sculp-
ture museum opened by Theo and Lida Scholten in
1994. The multi-level museum, designed by Wim
Quist, is built underground, and is not visible from
the dunes. Devoted exclusively
to sculpture, it is open daily,
closed Mondays, and costs about
$15 USD. Viewing the outdoor
sculptures is fee-free.
For those not entranced by art,
there is SEA LIFE (a small aquar-
ium), Circustheater, and Holland
Casino. While Scheveningen is a
mass of humanity in summer
months, off-season visits allow for
contemplative (bu t bundled-up)
strolls along a wide beach, ter-
raced with restaurants and cafes,
amid seagulls, and sand dunes.
Best is the Dutch hospitality.
Hotels in the town vary in price,
with the 5-star Grand Hotel
Amrath Kurhaus, built in 1884
(and renovated), affordable.
Start packing. The world is
waiting to meet you.
We Support Our Troops
[The text and photograph repre-
sent the actual experience of the
author.]
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