Atlas Delft Blue

Jacob de Baan made an interpretation of Atlas. Jacob is inspired by Atlas and he is wondering if Atlas can hear the bells that are all around him. Atlas is doing his job without complaining. But he maybe is tired and is suffering from his heavy burden. From his position Atlas can see the Westertoren and the Herengracht. Maybe Atlas could go for a walk? Condemned to shoulder the universe for ever, freedom seems impossible to Atlas. The monumental installation asks difficult questions about the nature of choice and is a dazzling telling of the myth of Atlas and Heracles. The design by Jacob de Baan wants to communicate to the visitors that it is possible to turn the familiar on its head. It is a touching meditation on the difficult journey to selfknowledge. And to learn to put down our burden of the world. Inspiration for the theme as well came from the novel ‘Weight’ by Jeanette Winterson.