Phlox van Oppen turns waste into value in new artwork for the EDGE Coolsingel Artist Competition

In the third round of the EDGE Coolsingel Artist Competition: Show me your heart, artist Phlox van Oppen presents a work that is provocative, confrontational, and at the same time hopeful. By using leftover leather from the furniture industry, Phlox draws her red line a powerful visual statement on overconsumption, decay, and sustainability.

A red line in a world full of waste

Phlox van Oppen is an artist of her time. In a world where sustainability is becoming the norm, she takes a critical look at how we deal with materials. Her work, developed specifically for EDGE Coolsingel, uses surplus leather that would otherwise end up as waste. In doing so, she asks the question: where do we draw the line in a society that continues to produce endlessly?

The artwork is not static. It lives, moves, and will change, just like the city. Sunlight, rain, and touch will affect the piece, causing it to fade or distort. But it’s precisely this decay that Phlox wants to embrace. “You don’t always need to buy something new. Decay holds value,” the artist explains.

From student house to Swedish looms

Phlox’s fascination with materials began during her student days, living with 36 women and being daily confronted with the beauty and chaos of everyday life. She is now pursuing a master’s degree at the renowned Swedish School of Textiles, where she specializes in weaving and experiments with innovative techniques and new circular ecosystems.

Art on construction fences: EDGE Coolsingel as an open-air gallery

EDGE Coolsingel offers artists a unique platform. During the construction period, the site will be transformed into a lively art gallery. Every three months, a different artist is given the opportunity to create an 11 by 2 meter work, visible to everyone in the heart of the city. The competition will conclude in August 2026 with the awarding of the grand prize: a permanent installation at EDGE Coolsingel.

Previously, visual artist Melissa Moria, and artiwt Tjado were selected as the first and second artis to adorn the construction fences with artwork. Now it is Phlox’s turn.

About EDGE Coolsingel Artist Competition

The EDGE Coolsingel Artist Competition offers local artists a chance to share their work with the city in a unique way. Artists can apply via the official website www.showmeyour.art. The winning work is selected partly through public votes and partly by the EDGE Coolsingel project team.

How to participate

Location: Coolsingel 75, across from City Hall

Dimensions: 11 meters x 2 meters

Dates: November 2024 – August 2026

Grand prize: Permanent installation at EDGE Coolsingel

Apply at: www.showmeyour.art