You could already walk past it and admire the making process of the artwork, and yesterday the mural 'Twisting Thriving Topographies' by artist Hadassah Emmerich was officially opened in Langeveld Building on Woudestein campus. It is a colourful mural over the full height of five floors in the two stairwells of the building.
The title 'Twisting Thriving Topographies' refers to the rhythmic and organic movement in the murals, in which lines and motifs intertwine, rotate up and down and flow through space. Each floor and staircase forms an island or energy field with its own character.
The work combines historical and cultural references, such as Art Deco and Indonesian batik, and invites an experience that is both monumental and intimate, taking the viewer through the rhythm and color.
"The building is made of concrete, which I found exciting to show in the artwork," says Hadassah Emmerich. "So I consciously chose to confront the shapes and the concrete with each other. That has become a beautiful interplay and I think it's a very living work of art in that way."
The value of art in public space
Art stimulates, makes you look, shows you new perspectives and can distract you from worries. Tineke Abma, professor in Art & Care, explains why art in public spaces is so important: "It can be a great way to talk to your fellow students about what you see and what touches you, so that you can also experience connection.”
Ellen van Schoten, Vice-Chair of the Executive Board, adds: “This fantastic work transforms this place into more than just a passageway. It becomes an experience. An encounter. An invitation to look differently — at the space, at each other and perhaps also at ourselves.”
What do students think of it?
"It really shows the world of Erasmus, namely how colorful the world can be. Even in these dark times, when so many things are happening in the world. So I think this lights up the world around us," says a passing student. Another student says: "I like the contrast of how the shapes go from top to bottom. At first I didn't notice the mural, but now that I observe it closely I think it's beautiful.
Hadassah Emmerich about the mural Twisting Thriving Topographies
Pictures of the mural Twisting Thriving Topographies
