Huge rabbits in Rotterdam’s Museumpark, elephants beside the A6 motorway in Almere, two large men seated back-to-back at Schiphol Airport. The work of Tom Claassen (b. 1964, Heerlen) is often located at the boundary between culture and nature, and is firmly rooted in the tradition of sculpture. Yet at the same time it has an original, whimsical and personal touch. The sculptures are ideal for public spaces, with their simple form language and inviting appeal.
The museum has two small bronzes by Claassen, however. They are based on models of resting lionesses made for his piece 'Hanging Lionesses', which was commissioned for a roundabout in Breda. The duo refers to Queens Beatrix and Maxima, giving the site royal allure. ‘The image of lions and lionesses hanging around together in the trees napping appeals to everyone’s imagination,’ says Claassen. ‘In that inactive state they are ideal subjects for sculptures, as sculptures don’t move either, and it’s best to avoid any suggestion of action.’
Tom Claassen, Resting Lionesses (2016) | bronze | object number: SMB000064