Art à la Carte: The story behind ‘Growing Sculptures’ by Esther Hoogendijk

Appetizer 

As you enter Capital Kitchen, they slowly catch your eye: Esther Hoogendijk’s Growing Sculptures. Hanging on the walls—they’re not the kind of artworks that shout for attention. You need to look. Or better yet: look twice. 

The pieces blend seamlessly into the design of Capital Kitchen, which revolves around The Inner Human Being. Like a thought that takes time to take shape, these works evolve beyond their original form. What starts as a block of concrete with a crack literally grows into something more. 

Main Course 

Esther Hoogendijk has been involved in the design of Capital Kitchen from the very beginning. When Maarten Spruyt introduced her to the theme The Inner Human Being, she knew exactly what to do: create space for transformation. With her signature style she brought the concept to life, quite literally. 

Her sculptures begin as raw blocks of concrete, with cracks that make way for growth. Seeds, plants, salt, and pigments come together to form a piece that constantly adapts. Humidity, light, the seasons. Everything plays a role. 

“Why would you create something that stands still?” Esther says. Her art moves, grows, fades… Just like we do. 

Esther Hoogendijk. Picture by Tjitske Sluis

Chef’s Special: Roasted Leek

What kind of dish fits a work that’s all about contrast between the raw and the natural? Esther puts it like this: “No meat or fish, but something that’s both crafted and natural. Something you can’t quite define, but that still makes perfect sense.” 

Our suggestion? The grilled leek. Like Esther’s work, the dish is made up of layers that appear simple at first. But with every bite, reveal something new. 

Final Bite 

 Esther’s Growing Sculptures ask you to slow down. They invite you to look—and then look again. In a world that’s always rushing, these works remind us that it’s okay to change. To grow, or even slowly fall apart. 

So: what does this piece say to you while you dine? We’d love to hear your interpretation—or better yet, come back and see it again. Because the artwork changes. Just like you.