Winifred Wikkeling

Vondel Verses by Anouk Vogel and Johan Selbing

Via Dezeen

Every so often we realize that the child in us holds much sway over our tastes. We never quite got over the elfin world of Galadriel, and the work of Natalie Shau makes us envious. We like the way she stirs sweetness with a little bitter; her light holds the allure of the dark. It reminds us of the lovely leaps of our stomach when as a child we would tread dangerously close to the forbidden. Vondel Verses, the new furniture designed for Amsterdam’s Vondel Park, makes us excited for the forbidden. We like the strength of cast iron benches that suggest a heavy gate. They don’t so much seem intended for sitting as they are protective, keeping us out, holding something back. The daffodil shapes of the lamp posts are noncommittal. At first glimpse, daffodils, but a second look may reveal something other. And the ivy patterns of the kiosks, is there a secret message in those swirls? Though the furniture is intended to be romantic there is a strong hint of mischief. Vondel Verses wants to take us on an adventure. We will gladly come along…