On Saturday, June 28, 2025, during the opening of the exhibition PATATE – Potatoes after Van Gogh, a new sculpture was presented in the Van Gogh Garden. It is a ceramic bust by Monika Dahlberg, titled Ni barabara papa (It’s a wild road). The unveiling was performed by Alexandra van Dongen, chair of the Friends of Van Gogh & Zundert.
Dahlberg previously worked as an artist-in-residence in Zundert and created this bust at the European Ceramic Work Centre (EKWC) in Oisterwijk. In the sculpture for Zundert, Dahlberg explores the shared history between location, work, and person. The theme of Van Gogh as a traveler serves as the starting point. She feels a connection with the traveler in Van Gogh. She herself comes from a nomadic tribe in Kericho (Kenya). The hunter-gatherer culture of her ancestors is one she feels deeply connected to. This also apparently runs through her veins, stemming from a centuries-old tradition. It suits Dahlberg’s way of working and living; being in the here and now. Overlapping themes from the past and present merge in choices, in journeys. Often figuratively, but sometimes literally.
Prior to this project, she journeyed through Van Gogh’s colorful world; a study trip by train from Zundert to Arles. This journey evokes memories. The journey evokes a powerful, dynamic fusion of colors from the landscape in and around Arles. She drew from this palette for this work. She uses these colors to get as close as possible to Vincent within herself. There are tones that make each other shine, that create a pair, kindred spirits in an endless dance.
Unique Edition:
To create the artwork, Monika Dahlberg created an edition of small artworks, each uniquely glazed by her. For the attractive price of just €225, you can purchase a figurine by one of today’s most famous sculptors. By doing so, you contribute to the realization of the bust. The first sales of the figurines took place live during the opening on June 28th at the Van Gogh House; afterward, the remaining figurines will be available in the Van Gogh House webshop.
