New artwork by Marinus Boezem unveiled in birthplace Leerdam

Brand new public artwork ICARUS by Marinus Boezem was unveiled in Leerdam on Friday afternoon, 5 September.

Boezem was born in Leerdam in 1934 and was an artist of great significance for the development of conceptual art in the Netherlands The work that Boezem chose for Leerdam is titled "ICARUS, How High is the Sky?" With it, he reflects on his relationship with the town and its surroundings, where he grew up until the age of eighteen and was influenced by various artists. At the same time, Boezem invites the viewer to reflect on their own dreams and ambitions.

The work consists of a panoramic viewer placed on a base of blue labradorite, on which the title is also inscribed. Looking through the viewer, one will discover the artist’s gilded bronze shoes on the balustrade of the church tower. The artist himself has flown away.

According to the Greek myth, Icarus wanted to fly with his father to escape their captivity on Crete. To achieve this, they made wings from bird feathers held together with wax. Their plan succeeded, but Icarus, in his enthusiasm, eventually flew too high, causing his wings to melt in the sun. In his title, however, Boezem explicitly adds the phrase: “How high is the sky?” This can be understood as an exploration of boundaries. In this way, his work becomes a symbol for the (young) person who literally wants to spread their wings, explore what is possible, and dare to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

Publication date: 11 Sep '25