André Volten (1925 - 2002) was one of the most  important sculptors in the Netherlands. His sculptures are to be found  in many collections, including those of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam,  Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Kröller-Müller Museum and the  Gemeentemuseum in The Hague. However, Volten realized the vast majority  of his work on commission for public spaces. This meant he was required  to give due consideration to the future surroundings of the sculpture,  and in the creation process he collaborated closely with government  bodies, architects, urban planners and other parties. Volten's  monumental works, often constructed from stainless steel, are to be  found throughout the Netherlands, within and close by schools,  universities, offices, business premises and at other spots in the  public domain. The sculptures demonstrate how art can complement and  enhance architecture and space. Besides being an important protagonist  in the debate around the need for art in public places through his  actual work, Volten was also actively involved in numerous art  committees and advisory boards.
 
        André Volten (1925 - 2002) was one of the most  important sculptors in the Netherlands. His sculptures are to be found  in many collections, including those of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam,  Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Kröller-Müller Museum and the  Gemeentemuseum in The Hague. However, Volten realized the vast majority  of his work on commission for public spaces. This meant he was required  to give due consideration to the future surroundings of the sculpture,  and in the creation process he collaborated closely with government  bodies, architects, urban planners and other parties. Volten's  monumental works, often constructed from stainless steel, are to be  found throughout the Netherlands, within and close by schools,  universities, offices, business premises and at other spots in the  public domain. The sculptures demonstrate how art can complement and  enhance architecture and space. Besides being an important protagonist  in the debate around the need for art in public places through his  actual work, Volten was also actively involved in numerous art  committees and advisory boards.
This richly illustrated monograph includes  an autobiographical text by Volten about his life and work. Rudi Oxenaar  discusses the place of Volten's highly consistent oeuvre, which spanned  more than five decades, in the history of Dutch and international  sculpture, while Hein van Haaren's text focuses on the role of  commissions in the creation of sculptures.