Drenthe and Africa, figurative art and aquatic sports. They seem
contradictions, but they are the passions of Johan Fieten. He
feels at home in Africa as he does in Drenthe. The affinity for
beauty and simplicity touches him every time during his travels
through this continent. Art, too, inspires him, because artists
challenge us to look beyond boundaries. Nothing is impossible.
The enormous tulips by Ada Stel, that got a place near his home
at Elim, the landscapes by painter Gerard van de Weerd, the
earth and sky on which one seems te be able to smell, and the
wayward work by versatile artist Erik van Houten. Besides, art
can ‘just be beautiful’. To Johan that is for instance Rudi van de
Wint’s monumental work on the outskirts of Hoogeveen, near
the entry way to the A37 motorway. Aesthetically splendid and
an outstanding landmark. Thus art can, as architecture, create
a place of importance.