The third edition of BlowUp Art The Hague is curated by Mary Hessing, who has selected four prominent names in the Dutch design world:

Studio Job: Job Smeets is known for his playful and often provocative designs. At Studio Job, unique pieces are manufactured by combining high-tech tools with traditional techniques that have almost disappeared in the Netherlands, such as bronze casting, stained glass making, and enameling. Everyday objects such as jerrycans and pans undergo a complete transformation here: they are enlarged, deformed, and sometimes even given a golden nose.

Marcel Wanders: A pioneer in Dutch Design, combining elegance and innovation. Wanders’ colorful, mirrored eggs on the Hofvijver not only reflect the visitors, but also form portraits of passers-by in the heart of democracy. They embody opinions that sometimes clash or become unbalanced for a moment, only to float upright again.

In times of climate crisis, all innovations are aimed at using greenery more cleverly to improve the livability of the city; think of roof gardens, city farms, food forests, and climate control. This floating garden, in which exciting water features and willow bundles alternate, serves as a temporary example to inspire visitors.

A workshop by visual artist Frank Bruggeman gave the initial impetus for the design by second-year students from the ‘livable city and climate’ department of Yuverta. Under the guidance of ecological landscapers Deborah Treep and Natascha van den Ban, assisted by the Stadskwekerij Den Haag and Engelsman Hoveniers, the design was realized in one day.