SolidNature Reveals Vondel Fountain, Stacked - a Monumental Installation Designed by Sabine Marcelis at Vondelpark, Amsterdam
September 6, 2024
Amsterdam, 6 September 2024 – SolidNature is thrilled to announce the unveiling of Vondel Fountain, Stacked, a monumental art installation created in collaboration with renowned artist and designer Sabine Marcelis. This striking design will be revealed during Amsterdam Fashion Week (3rd - 6th September) and will remain on display for the public to visit for three months.
Vondel Fountain, Stacked repurposes high-quality stone slabs from SolidNature’s prize-winning installation showcased at Milan Design Week 2023, integrating them into a dynamic fountain structure that enhances the serene landscape of Amsterdam’s Vondelpark. This innovative approach highlights SolidNature's commitment to minimizing waste and reducing the environmental footprint of their designs.
David Mahyari, CEO of SolidNature, reflects on the collaboration, stating, "Our over ten-year relationship with Sabine Marcelis has been an incredible journey, taking us across the globe and intersecting with various industries—from art and design to architecture and now fashion. The work we've done together highlights the importance of cross-pollinating between creative fields, fostering innovation and pushing boundaries. Presenting Vondel Fountain, Stacked at Amsterdam Fashion Week, in our home city, fills us with immense pride. It’s a testament to our shared vision and commitment to creating impactful, enduring designs."
"In addition to our creative achievements, we are deeply committed to sustainable design. By repurposing these materials, we not only reduce waste but also showcase the timeless and enduring quality of natural stone. This project underscores SolidNature's dedication to sustainability and responsible design practices, ensuring that our art respects and preserves the environment."
Sabine Marcelis, known for her profound exploration of materials shares: “As an artist, I am deeply interested in the possibilities of materials and how they can be shaped to create meaningful forms and experiences. Water has been a recurring element in my work, acting as both a medium and a source of inspiration. My journey has included designing fountains for renowned institutions and brands, such as the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona and luxury fashion house Fendi. These experiences have enhanced my understanding of how water can transform spaces — through its movement, sound, and the ambiance it creates.”
She continues, “It is a privilege to bring this vision back home during Amsterdam Fashion Week. This project marks a celebration of my long-standing partnership with SolidNature, who have been essential to the success of my earlier fountain projects. Together, we aim to create an installation that upholds our commitment to innovative and thoughtful design, offering a space for public interaction and enjoyment in Amsterdam’s Vondelpark.”
The installation features three stacked volumes each with a different orientation, forming a sculpture that offers a dynamic experience from every angle. Water flows from multiple points within the structure, flowing down with mesmerising movement and sound. By reusing stone materials from the Milan Design Week 2023 installation, the project showcases the timeless and enduring quality of natural stone, highlighting SolidNature's dedication to creating durable and lasting designs.
Located in front of the Vondel Paviljoen and near the Blue Tea House in Vondelpark, the fountain is designed to engage a broad audience, serving as a new visual and sensory landmark. The installation aims to invigorate the local area, drawing visitors and enriching their experience of the park. The collaboration between SolidNatre and Sabine Marcelis has developed over a decade and underscores a commitment to supporting Dutch businesses and contributing meaningfully to the community.
Danie Bles, owner of Amsterdam Fashion Week, expresses her excitement: “Seeing the collaboration between SolidNature and Sabine Marcelis come to life within the official program of Amsterdam Fashion Week 2024 is a dream come true. This partnership showcases the essence of AFW, where fashion, art, and creativity come together beautifully. I am proud to announce that Vondelpark will gain a new masterpiece, a captivating highlight for everyone to enjoy.”
The endorsement and involvement of Amsterdam Fashion Week underscore the increasing synergy between the worlds of design and fashion. This collaboration highlights how innovative, sustainable designs can be celebrated and integrated within the dynamic context of a fashion event, illustrating the interconnectedness and mutual inspiration shared between these creative fields.
Scheduled to open during Amsterdam Fashion Week, this project reflects SolidNature’s and Studio Sabine Marcelis’s deep connections with the fashion industry. It not only aligns with the contemporary fashion spirit but also serves as a physical embodiment of the fusion between fashion and functional art. Vondel Fountain, Stacked will not only support sustainable art but also enhance Amsterdam’s cultural landscape, making Vondelpark a home to a landmark project celebrated by all.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Sabine Marcelis
Sabine Marcelis is a Dutch artist and designer who runs her practice from the harbour of Rotterdam. After graduating from the Design Academy of Eindhoven in 2011, Marcelis began working as an independent designer within the fields of product, installation and spatial design with a strong focus on materiality. Her work is characterised by pure forms which highlight material properties.
Marcelis applies a strong aesthetic point of view to her collaborations with industry specialists. This method of working allows her to intervene in the manufacturing process, using material research and experimentation to achieve new and surprising visual effects for projects both showcased in museums and commissioned by commercial clients and fashion houses. Sabine considers her designs to be true sensorial experiences and not simple static works: the experience becomes the function, with a refined and unique aesthetic.
Sabine recently won the prestigious 2023 Elle Deco International Design Award ‘Designer of the Year’, the 2023 Monocle Magazine ‘Designer of the year’ as well as the Wallpaper awards ‘ Designer of the year 2020’, the Design Prize 2019 in the 'Newcomer of the year' category, The Elle Deco International Design award 2019 'Young designer of the year’ and ‘GQ Men of the year 2019’ International Artist of the year.
About Amsterdam Fashion Week
Amsterdam Fashion Week (AFW) is an annual event in September that celebrates fashion through a myriad of expressions including runway shows, presentations and events. Amsterdam Fashion Week embraces young talent as well as established designers and brands, both physically during the event and virtually on www.amsterdamfashionweek.nl. This platform offers an insight into the fashion industry through interviews, show reports and news articles, but also covers creative disciplines that frequently intertwine with fashion. Be it beauty, art, or interior design.