Groningen, Noorderplantsoen by Hessel de Jong

About "Groningen, Noorderplantsoen"

by Hessel de Jong

About the artwork

Groningen: "Between light and shadow"

Autumn in the Noorderplantsoen, Groningen. A single tree stands out with its foliage fiercely contrasting with the harsh shade. The Noorderplantsoen, a green oasis in the middle of the city of Groningen, offers a haven of peace and natural beauty. Here, along the calm waters and under the waiting trees, a figure walks. The person seems deep in thought, disconnected from the surrounding splendour. His shadow stretches across the path, mirrored in the calm waters, echoing his movements.

This image captures a moment where the contrasts of life become visible in the simplicity of nature. The serene surroundings of the Noorderplantsoen, known for its vibrant autumn colours and peaceful paths, are in stark contrast to the inner world of the passer-by, which seems untouched by the aesthetic charm of autumn. Groningen's beloved park, a place where students, families and nature lovers congregate, here reflects a deeper silence, a stage for personal reflection.

As evening approaches and the last rays of the day set the treetops in a golden glow, the picture offers a quiet reflection on life and the choices we make. We witness an individual literally and figuratively walking into the shadows, away from the light that illuminates and colours his surroundings. It is a powerful image that captures Groningen's Noorderplantsoen in all its autumnal splendour, but at the same time highlights the universal human experience of introspection and isolation.