Ruud Kuijer

Ruud Kuijer (born 8 June 1959 in Schalkwijk) is a Dutch sculptor, particularly known for his Water works, a group of seven large-scale sculptures on the strip between Isotopenweg and the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Originally the focus was on finding and using the plastic qualities and expressive possibilities offered by the properties of ordinary materials such as iron, screw thread, carpet, rope, wood and concrete.

In the sculptures belonging to the group entitled 'Staan/Liggen/Hangen/Leunen' (Standing/Lying Down/Hanging/Leaning) (1985-1992), the primary (structural) and secondary qualities (skin and colour) of various materials are coordinated and contrasted.

These sculptures focus primarily on the concept of gravity: the individual weight of each separate part is rendered visible in the whole.

Since 2001 Kuijer has been working on a group of seven large-scale sculptures on the strip between Isotopenweg and the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, at Lage Weide industrial estate in Utrecht.

The sculptures contrast with the purely functional surroundings and add a human dimension to the immense and expansive area.

Water Work IV Overstag (Go About) uses, more so than in the other sculptures, the richly contrasting and expressive possibilities of the sculptor's skin.

Water Work VII Cohesie (Cohesion) is the final element in the series and is also the tallest, at 12.70 metres high.

This sculpture is located next to the Werkspoorbrug along the banks of the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, at the crossing of the international rail and water links between our country and the rest of Europe.