Vandkunsten på Torvet i Jels

From the water art on the square in Jels, both water springs and a good story about how a work of art can change. There are fine benches right by the water art, so enjoy the sound of water and the story of how the Ice Age has shaped the landscape at Jels. 

The water art on the square was created by ceramicist Lene Kersting, who lives in Jels. Vandkunsten was her graduation project from Design School Kolding in 1994 and was built in 1995.  

The artist's inspiration 
The inspiration for the water art is the granite stones that came here with the meltwater from the Ice Age. Jels is located at the end of a meltwater river, so the stones could have ended up right here - quite naturally.

All the stones - the modules - have the same basic shape, but are "landed" on different edges or sides, so they appear very different. Just as coincidentally as the ice would have left them. The stones are ground round in shape and smooth in surface in connection with the long journey from the north. The stones are gathered as a group despite their differences. 2 is stranded a little outside the group, but still functions as part of the whole. The 3 water depressions symbolize the Jels Lakes: Jels Oversø, Jels Midtsø and Jels Nedersø and the streams that connect them. The 3 water columns are meant to symbolize the past, present and future. Between the granite cobblestones on the water art there are paved stones of stoneware clay that show various characteristics of Jels: The arrowheads of the Ice Age hunters (the zinc from the Hamburg culture), 2 swans, a large pike, Jels Mill etc.

The basic oval shape is movement. The modules are also designed with children in mind that children are welcome to play on them and become curious about the story, or adults may be able to sit and rest for a while before continuing along the Ancient Road.

The transformation
Initially, there was no economy to make the water art in granite as it was intended, and therefore it was made of high-fired stoneware by ceramist Lene Kersting. Over time, frost caused water bursts on the modules. After a few years, there was money in the technical department of Vejen Municipality for renovation, after which stonemason Jan Hemmsen was given the task. He carved and sanded new modules according to the artist's guidance and basic idea. Different types of beautiful granite from Nordic countries were used here.

Distances
Hærvejen's hiking route 0 km
Hærvejen's cycle route 0 km