Always on show
The Temptation
A work of art outside the museum walls? In the Museum Murals project, street artists draw inspiration from the treasures of museum collections throughout the Netherlands. Studio Giftig has created a life-size mural inspired by a work of art from the collection of Het Noordbrabants Museum. You can find this vibrant mural on Marconistraat in 's-Hertogenbosch.
Visit the museum:
OPENING THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST
Unleash your inner graffiti artist for a day! Join us on Thursday, 22 August, for the unveiling of the Museum Mural. From 4:30 to 7 p.m., we will celebrate with graffiti workshops for all ages, sidewalk chalking and a balancing course. We'll provide the snacks and drinks; you bring the fun. Everyone is warmly invited!
⏰ From 4:30 to 7 p.m.
THE INSPIRATION
The new mural draws inspiration from a painting by Jan Mandijn, a successful artist of the sixteenth century known for his Hieronymus Bosch-like scenes filled with devils and witches. The theme of this work? The temptation of Saint Anthony. According to the legend of Athanasius of Alexandria, Anthony, depicted in blue, retreated to the desert to contemplate and reflect. He was repeatedly tested by demons and monsters, resisting numerous temptations. Studio Poisonous gives this ancient struggle a contemporary twist.
Studio Giftig, The Temptation, 2024. Detail shot
Jan Mandijn, The Temptation of Saint Anthony, from 1539. The acquisition of this painting was made possible with a grant from the province of North Brabant
THE DESIGN
In collaboration with wall owner BrabantWonen, we went door-to-door to gauge resident interest in the initiative. During a community evening, we discussed the temptations faced by both young and old – from cell phones to fast food, and from expensive sneakers to jewellery. Using this valuable input, Studio Giftig created a striking work of art featuring a young woman turning away from a bowl overflowing with temptations.
"We drew inspiration from a painting by Jan Mandijn at Het Noordbrabants Museum, who, in turn, was influenced by Hieronymus Bosch. Our goal was to translate this work into a contemporary piece that highlights modern temptations."
— Studio Giftig
Karin Linders, Advisor for Corporate Communication at BrabantWonen, stated: "We are thrilled that Het Noordbrabants Museum has chosen "our" wall. Creating a harmonious living environment in neighbourhoods is very important to us, and we focus greatly on this aspect. Art often serves as a connecting factor that enriches communities. A project like Museum Murals aligns perfectly with our vision. The excellent collaboration with the museum, Studio Giftig, the residents and the neighbourhood makes us incredibly proud of the final result."
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Meet the talented duo Niels van Swaemen (b. 1982, Eindhoven, the Netherlands) and Kaspar van Leek (b. 1983, Philipsburg, St. Maarten): the creative minds behind Studio Giftig. Since beginning their collaboration in 2007, they have developed a detailed and (sur)realistic painting style that transforms everyday situations into surrealist perspectives. Their work ranges from large-scale murals in public spaces to smaller pieces for galleries.
In 2022, Studio Poisonous achieved global recognition by winning the title of Best Mural Worldwide, awarded by Street Art Cities.
Met dank aan
Foto Evita Copier
THE INITIATIVE
Imagine twenty museums breaking traditional boundaries to bring art into the public sphere. The Museum Murals project invites street artists to draw inspiration from the treasures of museum collections, including centuries-old paintings, intriguing objects and captivating stories. The result? Life-size murals that enhance the environment across the Netherlands. These stunning works of art can be found in a variety of locations – amid residential areas, on the walls of old factories and along railway tracks.
Museum Murals is an initiative of the Mauritshuis, made possible by the generous contributions of participants in the VriendenLoterij.
