The breakwaters alongside the coast of Walcheren (a region in the south of Holland) have fascinated me for many years. An impressive line of poles are placed in the water like a fortification, proud defenders of the coastline, separation and unification at once. Several times I’ve seen their complete disappearance in the dashing waves, to witness their powerful reappearance when the water pulls back. For me those breakwaters became a symbol for intransigence.

After a few small water-colour paintings I recreated those into three paintings.