Statues are every where . They come in different forms and sizes . Some are life sized and some are colossal sculpture , which we cannot failed to notice whenever we passby.
Statues speak to us , they are the expression of our inner most feelings.
Statue can symbolise expression of love . They remind us to show much affection to one another, Just like the Bredero Monument
depicted above in the picture .
Statue can also portray our desire to excel.
It could be an ambition we nurture for long . Statues could call us to be proactive , putting a little more effort and we can achieve greatness
Like Queen Wilhelmina who reigned for 58 years from 1890 to 1948.
A statue could also symbolize exceptionalism . It could be in intellectual prowess or artisan dexterity . Akin to the sculpture of Arthur Van Schendel a prominent Dutch writer of novel and short stories.
Or that of Joseph Mendes da Costa , a prolific Dutch Sculptor
And that of Rembrandt a successful 16th century Dutch painter.
Yet , statue can represent the devil we dread. The inner conflict which we see its reflection in scary grotesque sculptures.
On a brighter side . statues could appeal to our desire for prosperous future. A desire for our voice to be heard and a relentless spirit never to give up.
Cara de Mujer on Rokin Street , Amsterdam.
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Thank you @Emmik20 for this post on statues.
One can say statues are a ‘hot topic’ at this moment. Many of the old statues portray ‘heroes’ that go back to times of colonialism. Their actions and behaviour seen in our time may not be so nice. So many people started pulling down those statues.
In my opinion that is not a good thing to do. Because you can’t (and must not) erase history. I think it’s much better to provide information on them explaining who and what the were.
Hello @Erik_van_den_Ham . Somehow the issue of removal of statue is controversial one. True they are part and parcel of history that should be preserved but on the other hand many are heroes of colonialism as you rightly identified. Now emotions are running high and people don’t want to listen to stories. We can compare the situation to that of the heroes of Communism. The ex- communist countries were removing their statues because they were daily reminder of the humiliation of the past
Even in Russia they have gotten out of favour .There is even a dumping ground for communist statues in Moscow . I will not want to judge here because not directly involved but I totally sympathised with people who are experiencing discrimination. Then,
I am just a visitor in Amsterdam and will soon go back to my Russia. I believe someone from here will be able to tell the history behind each statue far more better.
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