Xandra van der Eijk is a Dutch artist who links art, ecology and activism. Xandra has a specific interest in man's influence on nature. Her proposal 'Watery Worlds' was chosen to be implemented.

The art commission in the Van Sijpesteijntunnel is a follow-up to the art study ‘Water is What We Make It’. In which the theme 'hydrocommons' and the ways we are connected in public space are central. Just a brief explanation in between: hydro means water and commons means common property. In other words, water that belongs to us all. Participants viewed the Leidse Rijn not as a research object or economic entity, but as a living organism with its own history and living population.

ABOUT THE ART COMMISSION

The Van Sijpesteijntunnel has to be adapted because of major changes on both sides of the tunnel. Westplein is changing to 'Lombokplein'. Less traffic, more nature, living space ánd the Leidse Rijn (canal) will be widened and connected via the tunnel to the Stadsbuitengracht. This means that people will also be able to sail through the tunnel. The changes around the Van Sijpesteijntunnel will also affect the habitats of animals and plants.

The art commission in the Van Sijpesteijntunnel is a follow-up to the art study Water is What We Make It. A group of artists, thinkers, designers, ecologists and urban planners set to work on the theme of hydrocommons and the ways we are connected in public space. Just a brief explanation in between: 'hydro' means water and 'commons' means common property. In other words, water that belongs to all of us. They examined the Leidse Rijn as part of the Rhine Delta and as water that will be actively connected to the historic City Canal in the future.

Artist Xandra van der Eijk on the artwork:

"WATERY WORLDS is an artistic intervention with light on the water side of the tunnel, filling the wall and ceiling above the water with the characteristic water reflection patterns, and a wall- and ceiling-filling colour light based on the actual colour of the atmosphere outside. The water is given its own voice in the proposal. All worlds are united in the movement of the water; the installation is thus naturally interactive. The work emphasises the long line of the tunnel, in addition to the architectural decisions. Anyone can experience it and take part in it, even at express speed on a bicycle, momentarily immersed in another world. It is simple, effective, has a grand effect, connects, is visually stimulating and poetically emphasises water. Mimicking the natural environment inside, the lighting is programmed to go along with a day and night rhythm. The colour thus automatically becomes suitable for dark-loving residents such as bats at night. Moreover, the light comes from above and thus does not disturb underwater inhabitants."