VAN KASTJE NAAR CANVASJE
2024
PLOMPETORENGRACHT
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KAGISO UNIVERSALIS
From a young age, I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life. Initially, I thought it would be in the realm of game design, but since I was 22, it has become clear that creating art about my own and our lives is what I enjoy the most. My love for magic and imagination finds a wonderful place in this, where I can inspire other “children” to express themselves through art, coming from my inner child. I focus on playful themes and painting techniques, with (mythical) animals and other living beings adding life and depth to my work. As an animist, I want to remind people that everything around them has a life of its own and therefore deserves to be treated with love.
The story behind the artwork
When I was assigned the electrical cabinets on Plompetorengracht, I was thrilled! Steven from the neighborhood sent me old articles about the history of a large city garden near my cabinets. A century ago, this garden hosted grand musical parties with dance and joy. These events were described as fairy-tale-like, so animals immediately came to mind. To honor the trees that were removed in the 1960s due to an asphalt-loving entrepreneur, the phoenix proudly and centrally features in the artwork. Surrounding it are Utrecht-themed (graffiti) animals, which not only make music but also create a connection with the nearby Moira and ACU. The phoenix provided a great way to breathe new life into the history of this garden and represents a red-and-white tree that symbolizes Utrecht.
How did the painting go?
The painting process was fantastic! All passersby reacted enthusiastically and with compliments about my work. Regular passersby noted how it kept getting more beautiful.
‘Throughout the time I painted, I listened to a podcast about mythology.’
The story behind the artwork
For three days in a row, I kept thinking, “today the box will be finished,” yet each time there were still hours of work left. But with love and joy, I kept coming back to the box, putting a little more heart into it each time. I often painted late in the day and into the night, simply because I found it hard to put down my brushes—the process became addictive.
The kind responses from neighbors and passersby filled me with joy; this is why I want to create art for public spaces. Highlights included friends who came to keep me company and light the way, neighbors who brought me treats from the supermarket, and locals who offered me cups of tea.
On the last day, I met Aag, a lady who used to roam these gardens. In honor of her first experience with berries as a child, I added some berries to the bushes at the end.
Many people asked if I would like to paint more boxes. I told them that I would love to if I get permission—and get paid for it.
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