Karel Appel Was Hier | 2006

‘Karel Appel Was Hier’ is a bronze sculpture by Martijn Sandberg on the façade of the Karel Appel House at Dapperstraat 7. It is in the form of a half eaten golden coloured apple. The text ‘Karel Appel Was Hier’ (‘Karel Appel Was Here’) has been bitten out of the apple.

An apple and Appel

For the realisation of the artwork in 2006, a real apple was scanned three-dimensionally. The scan was then digitally sculpted, based on the figuration, and printed in a three-dimensional model using 3D printing technique. This 3D printed model for the artwork was ultimately cast in bronze.

Karel Appel Was Here

There is a relationship between the form of the sculpture and the Dapperstraat daily market. ‘Karel Appel Was Hier’ refers to the market, which can be connected to Karel Appel’s further artistic life.
The Dappermarkt corresponds to the art market, where all kinds of products – apples and pears – are compared to each other for freshness and price.
The wares are presented, exhibited and offered for sale on market stalls – as in galleries and art fairs. Gallery owners and curators promote works of art, just as market traders plug their merchandise.
On the market you hear: ‘An apple please!’ That is also said in the art market, when a real Appel is purchased: ‘An Appel please!’

The sculpture ‘Karel Appel Was Hier’ is recognisable for everyone. An apple core on the façade of the Karel Appel House, as playful artwork for playing and ‘inquiring children’ – of all ages.

Click here to view or download a PDF of above text in Dutch.
Click here to see a full description in English, as PDF.
Click here to see a full description in Dutch, as PDF.

Title: ‘Karel Appel Was Hier’
Artist: Martijn Sandberg
Concept and figuration: 2006
Realisation: 2006-2007
Installed in 2010 at Karel Appelhuis, Dapperstraat 7, Amsterdam

Photos by: Martijn Sandberg