De Schreeuw
2007 sculpture by Jeroen Henneman
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De Schreeuw (The Scream) is a sculpture in the Oosterpark in Amsterdam that commemorates the assassinated Dutch film-maker Theo van Gogh. The monument was designed by Jeroen Henneman as a symbol of freedom of speech.
| De Schreeuw | |
|---|---|
De Schreeuw in 2012 | |
 | |
| Artist | Jeroen Henneman |
| Year | 2007 |
| Medium | Stainless Steel |
| Subject | Freedom of speech |
| Dimensions | 4.5 m (180 in) |
| Location | Oosterpark NL |
| 52°21′34″N 4°55′20″E | |
Background
Theo van Gogh was assassinated on 2 November 2004 in the Linnaeusstraat in Amsterdam, just a few steps away from the Oosterpark. The assassin was Mohammed Bouyeri.[1] In 2007 Henneman created the sculpture as symbol of freedom of speech.[2]
History
The 4.5-metre-tall (15 ft) heat-blasted stainless steel statue is in the form of a stylized profile of a face that screams on one side and has a closed mouth on the other. The work shows the tension and complexity of the theme of freedom of expression and how Van Gogh was silenced.[3]
The designer, Jeroen Henneman, said on the occasion of the unveiling that he hopes the image will remind passers-by of the moment of the murder; "to Theo van Gogh, who cries out for mercy".[4]
