19.08.2010

Work of art with a difference

From 19 thru 23 August one of the surprising highlights of Sail Amsterdam is an artist impression of a 70 metres long, 25 metres wide and up to 23 metres high ship, formed by 30 JLG telescopic boom lifts.

The "impression" or rather sculpture, has been created with JLG 460SJ's, 660SJ's and one 860SJ. Standing well above Java-island on the river IJ, it is an impressive beacon for the hundreds of ships and millions of people that visit Europe's largest nautical event.
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30 JLG boom lifts form the skeleton of a large ship

Dutch Artist André Pielage created the concept ‘Boom Lift Ship’ for the Sail Amsterdam Foundation and built his work of art with equipment and staff of Dordrecht based rental company Riwal. Prior to going ahead with the idea he built a model of his idea withy Lego bricks anf then, after consulting Riwal, using JLG scale models.
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The model of the 'sculpture'

Talking of his work Pielage said: “From the beginning it was clear that my contribution should be resistant to an enormous crowd, both physically and visually. My plan was simple yet striking. The 30 telescopic boom lifts have been placed side by side in a row. The booms and jibs have been positioned in a way that they form the girders of a ship.”
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A view from closer in

“Through the spacing an archetypal image of a ship is created, recognisable by its simplicity. The structure of this work of art is airy, a quality that features many of my creations.”
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A vew from the top

Dick Schalekamp of Riwal added: “We like people that approach us with seemingly wild ideas that involve aerial work platforms. They help us to think outside the box. We have seen a lot but never imagined anything like the Boom Lift Ship possible.”

“Riwal has been built on entrepreneurship, we give people responsibility and space to develop ideas into business. André Pielage shows that in art entrepreneurship is equally important. Participating in this project fits our mentality. Therefore we have been enthusiastic from the day Andre approached us and as JLG distributor we have been able to supply the necessary types and numbers from our sales stock.”