Anyone who takes a walk at the Bosbaan in the Amsterdamse Bos cannot ignore her: a gigantic cow has recently been placed next to the restaurant. It turns out to be a work of art by Jantien Mook from Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.
“To thank the cow for giving generously for centuries”, Jantien explains her reasons for making the work of art. She herself regularly finds herself among the cows when she cycles through the Rondehoep, a polder and quiet area in her hometown.
She then feels connected to the animals. “The cow mirrors our inner peace. She teaches us to slow down and what we need: more connection and contact. Animals are not trying to become something.” She also enjoys the nice, funny expressions and behavior of the cows, which you only see when you really look at them. Jantien also wants to point out the beauty of the cow to others.
Jantien made the animal of wood and steel with Dirk-Jan Schrander. The artwork lets light through and you can walk through it. She has been given the Hindustani maiden name ‘Ahimsa’, which means non-violence and reverence for life.
“Everyone is welcome in her circle. When we take a new look at ourselves and everything that lives on this wonderful planet, we see that everyone contributes something valuable,” is the message that every passerby who takes the effort to stop and think about Ahimsa to read the description.
Tears
Jantien receives many messages from people who get a special feeling about her artwork, she says. “People are so grateful and sometimes moved to tears. I think that’s because the cow has something very soft in her appearance.”
Earlier, Jantien also paid tribute to the pig. That artwork is currently at the goat farm in the Amsterdamse Bos. Both animals make a tour through the Netherlands. The pig will soon travel on and Ahimsa can be admired at the Bosbaan until the end of March.