FONS OLTERDISSEN

1865-1924

This monument, created by Willem Hofhuizen in 1961, was commissioned by the municipality of Maastricht. It shows Fons Olterdissen, to whom children were always a major source of inspiration, symbolically speaking to Willem Hofhuizen’s children (not recognizable as such, at the request of the Maastricht municipality). From left to right: Peter and Domien Hofhuizen, Fons Olterdissen (true to life) and Josée Hofhuizen.

Olterdissen towering high up among the trees,

exposed to the elements and oxidized to a blue-green patina,

and the bronze children continually polished by the hands of thousands of passing children,

this is art

in its purest form, without any obscuring elements such as social or political engagement, the urge to document contemporary issues or to influence the world in any way, positive or negative... A serene form of art that has its own laws and, just like nature, is indifferent but always creative, come what may..