Embedded Files
“ There's no better location to be found for a real ceramics exhibition than in our Sphinxkwartier. This is, after all, the district where Dutch ceramics history was made. Teachers and students at Zuyd University of Applied Science - Maastricht Institute of Arts totally agree. Our 2021 year’s fine arts graduate student, Molly Crowe, with ‘one of many’ is exhibiting her sculpture to the public. This has given a fixed place to protect the decks on the Petrus Regoutplein of the Eiffelbuilding. “ Belvédère Maastricht
Photo: Fred Berghmans
To begin with, ceramics were not my everyday tool to work with. Also, not particularly one I would have chosen myself to deepen my skill sets in. In the past and current, I am investigating the tools of digital media. Previously, I have been working with virtual reality with the help of a 360° camera and software and other methods such as 3D images.
To me, the additional layers of knowledge are what are driving me in my work. Here, I had the chance to open myself to the knowledge of ceramics. It‘s history in relation to the public space in the Sphinx Kwartier.
Maastricht and the history of this industrial area have direct relevance to the industrial history of ceramics itself, down to the development of trade itself, rooted in the long silk roads to Japan. I had to dedicate myself to shaping the neck of the bottle. Originally, I followed the shape of an everyday plastic bottle. The banality of this everyday shape grabs my attention.
A sculpture was placed in an area, which founded an entire industry around ceramics, rooted in building everyday moulds for everyday objects. As banal as a toilette. A shape we all know. But now conflicted with the actual material, the struggle and hard work that is put into the object brought my attention to the handwork and craftsmanship itself. I noticed my own ignorance of the knowledge which is required to work with this material. In times in which the industry is built on the requirements of multi-skilled sets pushes the loss of the knowledge on which every object and design is based.
Artwork at Petrus Regoutplein, Maastricht — Lost
In 2021, artist Molly Crowe installed a sculpture on the decks at Petrus Regoutplein, adjacent to the Eiffelbuilding in Maastricht, as part of the area’s public art initiative. The work, developed over several years, was designed to be moved indoors at night to protect it from weather conditions.
During a visit to Maastricht in early 2025, Crowe discovered that the sculpture had been damaged and removed without prior notification. In a letter to the Belvédère Maastricht Team, she expressed concern about the lack of communication and requested clarification on the condition and storage of the work, as well as the possibility of repair.
In response, the Municipality of Maastricht confirmed that the sculpture had been damaged—likely by a vehicle—and was removed by a maintenance company. It was later revealed that the remains of the artwork had not been stored but were discarded. The municipality further noted that the Sphinx Quarter is undergoing redevelopment, with construction planned for a new underground parking garage and housing complex, and that the area where the artwork stood must be cleared.
Crowe has expressed regret over the loss of the piece and is seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding its disposal.
Report abuse