In 2018, Dutch city Leeuwarden was named Cultural Capital of Europe. During the whole year, cultural activities took place in the city as well as the province of Friesland under the name ‘Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018’. For this special occasion, Arthur Oostvogel – director of De Harmonie, built a pop-up summer terrace next to the city theatre. As a fan of his earlier work, Oostvogel invited Studio Koen Steger to feature as one of the five upcoming artists that would contribute to Leeuwarden-Fryslan 2018. The assignment: create something developed from your own fascination. A carte blanche, limited only by budget and a singular theme: circular.

The biggest and smallest part of life in one glance

Inspired by a fascination of reflection, the concept of Oculus took form: a dome with a span of 7 metres, made out of mirrored panels. In the middle of the installation was a hole featuring a span of 2 metres. Whilst looking at the mirrors, spectators were able to see themselves and their surroundings. At the same time, they stared into ‘the universe’ through the hole in the middle. All the materials that made up the Oculus are circular and the whole installation can be broken down and built up again in its exact replication.

Oculus was on display for 100 days in Leeuwarden during Leeuwarden Frysland 2018 Cultural Capital of Europe.

“It’s not the terrace itself that catches the eye, but the installation Oculus that draws all the attention.” – Leeuwarder Courant