Erwin Wurm was born in 1954 in Austria and is known for breaking the rules of sculpture and creating social sculptures. He turns familiar objects upside down and anthropomorphizes everyday items in an often humorous and unsettling way. In ‘Big Disobedience’, he replaces the human figure with a large suit. The statue is part of a large series of headless figures. He omits the head to focus fully on the clothing as an object, rather than to give the human being status and personality.
Absurdism, sarcasm, and humour help Wurm to address social and philosophical issues: “For me, humour is a way to grab somebody’s attention. I want to motivate people to take a closer look at things.” ‘Big Disobedience’ is a critical look at our society, mentality and lifestyle. The title is borrowed from Henry David Thoreau’s 1849 essay ‘Civil Disobedience’, which is about political and social conformity.
Using the map of Gelderlandplein you can continue the Art Audio Tour and view all the sculptures on display. The route can be followed virtually or by walking around the shopping center. Either click on a circled number on the map or scan the QR code next to the artwork in Gelderlandplein to see and hear all the information.
GELDERLANDPLEIN SHOPPING CENTER
Van Leijenberghlaan 43, Amsterdam
| Monday | 12:00 | – | 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:30 | – | 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30 | – | 18:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30 | – | 18:00 |
| Friday | 09:30 | – | 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30 | – | 18:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 | – | 17:00 |
Parking:
A unique service of Gelderlandplein is the option to park for 1.5 up to 2.5 hours for free.
P1 | Van Leijenberghlaan 43, Amsterdam | 1.5 hours free
P2 & P3 | Loowaard 57, Amsterdam | 2.5 hours free
Public transport:
check 9292.nl
Gelderlandpleinlijn:
free bus transport from Zuidas, Buitenveldert and Vivaldi-neighbourhood with the Gelderlandpleinlijn
Route
Routeplanner