A piece of my heart
‘A piece of my heart (1997) by Germaine Groenier (1943-2007) is an autobiographical book, based on the journalist’s memories of her youth with her stepfather.
I chose this title for the pedestal because it might say something intimately about the writer and her life, but could also be about every other person.
‘A piece of my heart’ becomes – like the text chosen for Edgar Cairo – an ‘emotionally charged’ and ‘personally tinged’ text fragment in the artwork which immediately appeals and which everyone can identify with. The pedestal itself with this figurative text may be viewed as ‘a piece of my heart’, cast in concrete.
MS
Photo
‘A piece of my heart’, column, 80cm x 80cm x 40cm.
Biography
Germaine Groenier (1943-2007), was an actress, radio and television producer, director, and (screenplay) writer. As a ‘Dolle Mina’ she was active in Women’s Liberation, including the feminist abortion workgroup. In the Seventies she presented a radio programme with the much talked-about sex feature, ‘Germaine Sans Gêne’.
Artwork: You Are Here
Artist: Martijn Sandberg
Material: concrete
Measurements: (lxwxh) 80cm x 80cm x 40cm
Project: Legacy of the Twentieth Century
Realisation and completion: 2019
Location: Oranje Vrijstaatkade, Oostpoort, Amsterdam
Commissioned by: Amsterdam Municipality, District Oost