Jeppe Hein

Jeppe Hein (*1974, Copenhagen DK) seeks to extend the boundaries of sculpture and art installations: his works are completed by the interaction of the beholder. Hein's oeuvre repeatedly places artworks and viewers alike in new, unexpected contexts. The Modified Social Benches explore notions of communication and social interaction in the public space. Departing from the basic outline of the ubiquitous park bench, each design is modified to creatively reinterpret the act of sitting. The engagement of passersby elevates the benches to a new social and communicative dimension.

Hein's focus on interaction and the playful nature of his designs can also be found in his sculpture Blomsten, which he created especially for the area in front of the EPO's buildings in The Hague (currently uninstalled). Sunk into the ground, the sculpture is shaped like a flower with six stylized petals. The work consists of water jets concealed in the edges of the petals that generate curtains of water to create a temporary space within. The water may generally seem to leap up at random and stop with equal abruptness. In fact, a wind turbine controls the height of the water jets in accordance with the strength of the wind. As members of the public approach the jets, the curtains of water open to allow entry into the space beyond.