Peaceful Warrior at bicycle bridge Venlo

by Karin de Jonge

From the Maasboulevard in Venlo, The Peaceful Warrior overlooks the river Maas. The work of art is not without controversy as it has stood in this spot before, discussion around finances then caused the sculpture to be removed. This to the great disappointment of many Venlo residents. Thanks in part to the efforts of Venloosch Vastelaoves Gezelschap Jocus, the sculpture is back. The company celebrated its 176th anniversary (16x11) and sees the return of the Peaceful Warrior as a birthday gift to the people of Venlon.

Now that the Warrior is back, it may also be seen. A suitable lighting design was created and installed by Luxworkx. The starting point here is to emphasise the transparent structure where a play of light and shadows produces a beautiful result.

Artist Rik van Rijswick is delighted that his artwork is back in its familiar spot in Venlo. According to van Rijswick, The Peaceful Warrior radiates a message that Venlo residents can benefit from. "Stop, up to here and no further! That is the Peaceful Warrior's message. It should make people realise that sometimes you need to state your boundaries a bit more clearly and calm down a bit more", says the artist.

I have never met anyone who does not like the warrior. From under the Maaskade in Venlo, I once captured him from an original point of view. And with the reflection even twice!