“Green Thunder” (2011)
stainless steel, 168″ h x 96″ w x 36″ d

Inspired by lightning striking the earth, Green Thunder captures energy and movement. A classic example of Han Van de Bovenkamp’s stainless steel sculpture, the work is created from amorphous fragments that are then assembled to create the artist’s vision.

“Aphrodite’s Sister” (2019)
bronze, 84″ h x 35″ w x 24″ d

One of 3 bronzes on the tour, “Aphrodite’s Sister” is a figurative abstract work. With the title alluding to the ancient Greek Goddess associated with love, beauty and passion, the artist presents a composition with curvaceous forms. Can you see her? Fun fact – most major Classical period Greek sculptures were made from bronze, not marble; here, we find Van de Bovenkamp has made yet another subtle allusion to the Greek goddess with his choice of materials.

“Intrepid Cloud” (2018)
stainless steel, 78″ h x 50″ w x 24″ d

This freestanding sculpture possesses a bit of whimsy with its circular forms. Notice that the rounded edges of the sculpture are repeated on the stainless steel surface. This is Van de Bovenkamp’s signature Hologram finish. Rather than creating a traditional mirrored stainless steel surface, these purposeful markings are etched into the steel at his studio. They create the appearance of an undulating surface that reflects light in unexpected ways. As the sun sets and the light quickly changes, the finish sparkles.

“Oh, Ophylia, Why” (2008)
stainless steel, 96″ h x 60″ w x 36″ d

Named after a line from a 15th century play by Jacopo Sannazaro, this sculpture features a rather precarious balancing act. An example from the “Menhirs” series that the artist began in 2001, the “Menhirs” sculptures consist of stacked balanced shapes upon vertical blocks. Van de Bovenkamp was influenced by the piled boulders and stones from Stonehenge in England and the Baths at Virgin Gorda. While his earliest “Menhirs” were constructed with very simple forms (think Stonehenge with wavy rocks), his works evolved, as represented by this sculpture here from 2008, and featured more complex balancing acts over time.

“Ethereal Oracle” (2018)
stainless steel, 83″ h x 36″ w x 22″ d
&
“Love on the Run” (2017)
bronze, 77″ h x 56″ w x 42″ d

At 2231 Montauk Highway, we see two examples of Van de Bovenkamp’s sculptures that employ very different techniques by the same artist. “Love on the Run” is a bronze sculpture that features large undulating elements, upon which you can spot its namesake. “Ethereal Oracle” is a stainless steel work composed of many smaller fragmented pieces that come together to form an oracle—a portal that can be passed through. While at first glance, the two works may appear to have little in common, but as we look closer, it’s clear that both possess a certain element of whimsy that is distinctly by the hand of the same artist.

“Oracle 2020″ (2020)
stainless steel, 120″ h x 72″w x 42” d

“Oracle 2020” is located at one of the four historic homes owned by the Sandford family, who built the bridge for which this town is named. This is Van de Bovenkamp’s latest sculpture that was finished in August 2020. This is the second “oracle” that is included in this tour. The concept of the “transformative portal” is a reoccurring theme in his work. Having spent much time studying Greek mythology and Eastern teachings, Van de Bovenkamp’s sculptures draw inspiration from many texts and sources. This large-scale oracle beckons to be passed through.

“Muse #2” + “Muse #3″ (2008)
stainless steel, 96″ h x 24″w x 24” d each

“Muse #2” and “Muse #3” are located at yet another of the original homes owned by the Sandford family. These sculptures are also examples of figural abstraction, like Aphrodite’s Sister. A muse is known to be a source of creative inspiration for an artist. As these figures bend and move, note that they are not alike. Although there are repeating themes and ideas that Van de Bovenkamp explores and builds upon with his work, each sculpture is unique. Each work is designed, constructed and assembled at his studio in Sagaponack.

1. “Sagg Portal”, 2008, stainless steel, 144″ h x 288″ w x 72″ d
2. “Corinthian Columns”, 2000, bronze, 96″ h x 36″ w x 36″ d
3. “Quintessence”, 2003, stainless steel, 108″ h x 96″ w x 36″ d

The last stop on the tour is Sagaponack Sculpture Field. This is a privately owned sculpture garden that is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. Owned by Louis and Susan Meisel, this garden features 3 works by Hans Van de Bovenkamp, amongst many other artists, including Robert Graham, Audrey Flack, Kenneth Snelson and Oded Halahmy; these sculptures are surrounded by Mr. Meisel’s carefully curated Beech tree collection. Can you spot the Bovenkamp works amongst the sculptures?

“Sagg Portal” is perhaps the easiest to identify. This large archway is yet another example from Van de Bovenkamp’s Menhir series, as is “Quintessence”, another stainless steel sculpture with Van de Bovenkamp’s signature Hologram finish. “Corinthian Columns” may be the most difficult to spot. This bronze sculpture is the earliest work in the tour. It features a mottled green patina (finish), and its monolithic shape resembles a large abstract column with a smaller support structure around its base.

Please feel free to spend some time in the Field. If you have further questions about the work or if you are interested in an acquisition, please email gallery@meisels.com. Thank you for visiting!