On the dike!

Exhibition of eighteen expansive polder landscapes

Eighteen students of the Han Fortmann (Trinitas College) in Heerhugowaard were inspired by the vast North Holland polder landscape for their examination assignment of the subject Drawing. They walked on dikes, trekked through the polder and took pictures. In this way they went in search of their own 'polder vision'.

High and low

North Holland is largely below sea level. With a total of 1,558 kilometers of dikes and quays, HHNK protects our low land from flooding. These dikes meander through the landscape like high lines. From the crest they often offer views to the horizon over the low and sometimes with mathematical precision arranged polder land. The characteristic polder mills fit in perfectly. Tourists from abroad are not for nothing amazed by this unique landscape.

Technology

For this assignment, students used a special technique called the linocut. In this, the image is cut step by step into a piece of cork linoleum. It is a letterpress technique in which only the high part of the linocut is rolled in with ink and then printed. By cutting away more linoleum after the first print and reprinting again with a different shade, color plates can be made. 

Collaboration

This is the ninth time the Water Board has partnered with Han Fortmann (Trinitas College) in Heerhugowaard. Each time, the Water Board gives a water-related exam assignment. The results are part of both a digital and a physical exhibition in our office. A jury from the school and the Water Board selected a Top 4 from the 18 works. The public then determined the winner. That became Vince Sprenkeling's artwork.

Thanks to teacher Janna Wolters and the students.