‘Resurface Rotterdam’ is the result of an intensive artistic research around the origin of the river Rotte (Rotterdam), the archeological excavation of the punter and the foundation of Rotterdam as a maritime city. As not only building materials were used during the construction of the Dam in the river Rotte, the punter shaped vessel ensured the last gap in the Dam around 1270. The Dam became the foundation of the city, and the establishment of Rotterdam.

The glass sculptures depict replicas of this particular boat, which was used over 750 years ago during the construction of the Dam. Van den Bout filled the sculptures with water from several locations of the river Rotte. The smallest replicas (ca. 30cm long) contain water from the source of Rotte in Moerkapelle, one size bigger (ca. 40cm long) contains water from the recreational area Rottemeren, one size bigger (ca. 50cm) contains water from Hillegersberg and the biggest replicas (ca. 60cm) contain water from the geographical ending place in central Rotterdam. This makes that the water from the river Rotte are not only captured, but also perpetuated in the glass sculptures. As a swarm the cluster of glass sculptures are floating in space.

Early nineties Rotterdam archaeologists excavated the Dam, of which Rotterdam derived its name from. In the depth of the construction pit of Willemspoort tunnel a sensational discovery was found. Behind the Dam a complete vessel was found. The punter was used to close the last gap. The ship’s timber also reveals when the Dam was constructed: around 1270. The punter shaped boat is an extraordinary intact relic. The punter is the construction of Rotterdam as world port city. On the Dam in the Rotte the first citizens built their houses. Besides of the story of the punter the art project also taps into the ancient connection between Rotterdam, shipping and water management. This makes that the artwork also aims to perpetuate the maritime history of Rotterdam.

This boat was sunk during the construction of the Dam. ‘Resurface’ means to bring something back to the surface. In 1992 the sunk vessel was excavated and restored. The artwork ‘Resurface Rotterdam’ contributes to the ‘now’ of what has been under our feet for over 750 years. This installation artwork re-contextualises this archaeological excavation to contribute to the contemporary interpretation of history, archeology and heritage.

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