The artwork True Colors, which stands on the Veerplein in Bussum has been destroyed for the second time. Maker Marieke de Jong is quite disappointed. “I thought, not again!”
Exactly one week ago, Marieke received a phone call from a resident of Veerplein, who told her that her work had again been severely damaged. A big disappointment, because the first image was completely destroyed by a fireworks bomb in January last year.
In January 2022, all five water jets, made of epoxy, were broken. This time, two of the five beams had been destroyed. Again the artist is disappointed with the act. She also can’t imagine why anyone would do this. “I really don’t understand that someone has that need,” she says. “It’s stupid and unnecessary.”
In consultation with the municipality, the entire artwork has been removed. Just like last time, the work is damaged beyond repair. “Pouring, sanding and polishing epoxy is at least a hundred hours of work,” she says. “And the fact that it has been destroyed twice does not motivate me.” The artist thinks the destruction could have been prevented. “I don’t think this would have happened if cameras had been installed.”
It is still unclear whether De Jong will make the artwork for the third time. If it is up to the maker, the five epoxy water jets will not be placed on the Veerplein again. “But if I can make it again and it could be in the town hall, for example, then I would consider it,” she says. “Demolitionists can’t reach it.”
The artist removed the statue on Saturday in consultation with the municipality. “I’m saving it for the insurer.”