NEWSLETTER

In 1991, Krijn Giezen was invited by the “Fondation Artvisual Landscapes” from The Hague to search for the source of The Hague Stream, an artificial flow of water that runs through the city, and to try to redefine its use and identity. The artist’s proposal was for a “purification of the stream.” Artists Hamilton Finlay, Remko Scha and Herman de Vries also presented proposals focusing on other related areas.
First task for the artist was to mark the specific location of the source of the spring, which originated in the dunes of Kijjkduin near The Hague. He proposed to excavate a ditch – 1 km. in length - along the river, that would expose its bed. Another important goal was to purify the water while encouraging the growth and preservation of the surrounding natural environment. The project also aimed at stressing the relationship between the unearthed spring and the growing urban development by integrating it into the new construction. The excavated spring bed would be fed by a combination of ground water and rain water collected from the roofs of surrounding buildings.
The artist went way beyond the original task which was to focus on the source of the river. He gave the river a new life and a new importance by making it totally visible and purifying its water.
Krijn Geizen’s proposal was realized in 1999, together with that of Hamilton Finlay who focused on the other end of the river.