The municipality of Hulst asked Vrouw van Rinus and me to create a mural in the cyclist tunnel on Steensedijk. The tunnel had a dull appearance and needed to become more welcoming and safer. Since many students pass through it daily, we wanted to design something that would speak to a younger audience.
To make the design truly resonate with them, we collaborated with Reynaert College in Hulst. Together with Vrouw van Rinus, I developed and led a worldbuilding workshop. During these sessions, students created their own characters with unique and imaginative traits.
The results from these workshops served as both inspiration and a guiding framework for the final design. The students can now recognize their own creations in the mural. We also carefully considered how to keep the tunnel bright and structured, while reducing opportunities for vandalism. With over 100 meters of wall space, it was important to minimize large blank areas that might attract graffiti.
The students' imaginative input was a major source of inspiration. This is reflected in the two dreamlike portraits, surrounded by vivid, imaginary worlds. Butterflies flutter throughout the design, symbolizing growth, transformation, and the transitional phase young people are going through. Subtle digital effects are also integrated, creating a connection to the digital age in which they’re growing up. Of course, the mural also leaves room for personal interpretation.
