In a quiet pond in Amsterdam-Oost stands Man and Sheep, an intriguing sculpture that challenges the idea of communication between humans and animals. Created by artist Merijn Bolink, it invites visitors to reflect on the silent boundary between two heads facing each other — set in calm, symbolic water.
Galerie photos
Brbbl, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Context and creation
The artwork was created in 2003 by Dutch artist Merijn Bolink. His idea was to represent the difficulty — or even the impossibility — of a true dialogue between humans and animals. Both figures emerge from the water, separated by a tiny yet unbridgeable distance. A thin, almost imperceptible spray of water connects the two heads, recalling the artist’s original intention of creating a fountain.
Artistic meaning
*Man and Sheep* plays with tension and symbolism. The man and the sheep seem eager to communicate, yet remain frozen in silent stillness. This face-to-face scene expresses both proximity and distance, familiarity and strangeness. The choice of the sheep reinforces themes of domestication and animal nature, while the human figure, with its calm and imposing face, embodies consciousness and culture.
Reception and recognition
Despite its apparent simplicity, *Man and Sheep* has become an emblematic piece of public art in Amsterdam. It received a street art award in 2011, confirming its artistic value and its role in the urban landscape. Today, it continues to spark curiosity among passers-by and surprise those who encounter it during a walk.
Access and surroundings
The sculpture is located in a water basin in eastern Amsterdam, at the intersection of several lively streets. It blends into an environment that is both urban and calming, where water and reflections play an essential role in the visual experience. The site is easily accessible on foot or by bike, making it an original stop during a visit to the neighbourhood.
