Uncle Jan - Arno Coenen
The artwork 'Helemaal Hoogvliet' (Absolutely Hoogvliet) has been initiated by Carolien Ruigrok, culture scout Hoogvliet with the NRC (Stichting Nieuwe Rotterdamse Cultuur).
'Helemaal Hoogvliet' is a glass mosaic comprised of 61,875 tesserae. Arno Coenen conceived this gigantic billboard measuring 9 metres by 4 metres, showing all sorts of highlights from the Rotterdam district of Hoogvliet.
Prominently to be seen on this mega-artwork which has been placed at the entrance to Hoogvliet on the A15 motorway is 'Ome Jan' (Uncle Jan) Schildkamp. This boxing coach not only taught Olympic boxing champion Regilio Tuur the fine points of the noble science, but is also the driving force behind the 'Opboksen' (Competition) project in which problem boys or boys from underprivileged backgrounds can work on a better future for themselves at his boxing school. Uncle Jan symbolises pioneering spirit and optimism – two great qualities that are reflected by Hoogvliet today.
