11Fountains Harlingen

The Whale in Harlingen

Harlingen used to be all about whaling. Nowadays we no longer kill these big and grandiose animals, but prefer to conserve them. For reasons that are unclear, they are now, more than ever, found stranded in shallow waters. The fountain of Harlingen is a lifelike sperm whale. He lies as if he is lost in the Zuiderpier, but, from time to time, his powerful water jet proves that he is still alive. And so ‘The Whale’ testifies to the enormous effect that man has on everything that lives in the sea.

Jennifer Allora & Guillermo Calzadilla

'On the barricades’ could be the motto of the Puerto Rico based artist couple, Allora & Calzadilla (1974, 1971). Using all the means available in contemporary art, they criticise the ruthless and violent exploitation of man and nature by the global political- economic system. With their often very direct sculptures, videos and photographs, they show the consequences of this, whilst also calling us, through performances and musical projects, to protest.

Tip: Combine your visit to the 11fountains with a city walk. A walking route through Harlingen along all the highlights of the city that you must have seen during your visit.