SCULPTURE
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Whirl of Life reflects nature’s cycles and the passage of time. It evokes the grounding rhythm of the seasons and the beauty of life’s balance—falling leaves decay, enriching the soil for renewal. Wilting, often seen as an end, is reimagined as a central, delicate beauty. Inspired by 17th-century flower paintings, the piece includes playful hidden creatures.
The sculpture features two spirals reaching toward each other. Suspended from eight points, it floats in space, inviting viewers to look up and move around. From above, visitors peer into its intricate form. Made of hot glass in hues from orange to deep purple, each element is suspended by metal threads from a steel spiral. Embedded LEDs enhance its luminous, semi-transparent glow. The artwork was commissioned in 2022 by the Friends of the Mauritshuis Foundation to commemorate the 200th years of the Mauritshuis. 
Whirl of Life, blown glass, steel, LED light. H600 x W170 x D150 cm, 2022 | Photography by Annemarie Sabelis
On permanent exhibition in the Mauritshuis Museum in the Netherlands. |
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Many thanks to:
Laurien Schroeder Mary Bentham Sophie Dencher Caroline Wiersum Vrienden van het Mauritshuis Medewerkers van het Mauritshuis With the support: Stichting Vrienden van het Mauritshuis Stichting van Achterbergh-Domhof Van Ommeren-de Voogt Stichting Mondriaan Fonds |
Bibi Smit
In collaboration with Studio Bibi Smit Led Label Letter Z Design Height Care Johan Galjaard Ruth Gerritse Director of Mauritshuis Museum Martine Gosselink Photography Annemarie Sabelis Videography Agis Konastantinidis |
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