The artwork Staalman is designed by Florentijn Hofman in collaboration with residents around the Staalmanplein in Amsterdam-Slotervaart. The ten meter high bear depicts the pride of the residents, their self-sustainability during a long period of urban renovation, and it strengthens the social coherency present in the neighbourhood. The bear is sturdy, but the cushion also makes it homely, according to Hofman. The cushion under the bear’s arm refers to the advice the neighbourhood kids gave themselves: to not hang out on the street until late, but go to bed early. Besides this the cushion represents urban renewal, under which the residents have to move houses with a cushion under their arms.
This artwork is part of the Sunday Sculptures series that Stadscuratorium Amsterdam posts every Sunday on Instagram.
