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Proudly and poetically, two five-meter-high metal women look out over the Wadden Sea. This impressive sculpture, called "Waiting for high water", is a creation by Frisian artist Jan Ketelaar. It symbolizes the search for balance and exchange, both between people and nature and between opposites in life.

EXPLANATION

The women

THE FULL WOMAN

Posted in December 2018, during the year of Leeuwarden-Friesland European Capital of Culture.

THE THIN WOMAN

Joined her on September 16, 2019, during a festive meeting with more than 100 visitors. Filmmaker Jonathan Doornenbal captured this historic achievement.

SYMBOLISM

The contrast between the two figures raises questions about connection, contrast and harmony - themes that fit the dynamic Wadden landscape.

POTMAKER

JAN KETELAAR

Jan Ketelaar (graduated from the Minerva Academy) is a versatile artist known for his "potzen": serious jokes in metal, language and space. His work balances between humor and philosophy, and reaches beyond Friesland:

International exhibitions: From New York to Portugal.
Signature projects:
"The State of the Netherlands": Metre-high statues that he transported through the country by forklift.
Royal fence in Leeuwarden (2014): A bank of lime leaves around the first king lime in the Netherlands.
Literary talent: Ketelaar is also a poet and finalist of the NK Poetry Slam.

INFORMATION

VISITORS

Location

Nieuwe Zeedijk 9151, Holwert – along the dike with a wide view of the Wadden Sea.

Ideal moment:

At high tide (check tides): The women seem to be in dialogue with the waves.
At sunset: The metal glows in the evening light.

Combine with:

A walk on the dike to the ferry to Ameland.
A visit to the historic Sint Willibrordus Church or local galleries in Holwert.