Geen Titel, 2016

Naamloozz & Remco Visser (Netherlands)
Sonsbeek ’16, Nelson Mandelabrug, 6811 HD

A large mural on a square section of a bridge pillar. The mural stands out with its bright color blocks and large white hands holding up an origami crane. In the top left corner, Mad Wicked is written in red, followed by three dots. In the bottom right corner, in a small speech bubble, are the words actual size. Several sections of the pillar’s concrete have been left unpainted. — *Photographer: Maurice Boyer*

During Sonsbeek ’16, the anonymous art collective Naamloozz took part in the exhibition, together with Visser. As the name suggests, the collective remains anonymous. They described their work as a “funky fresh adventure,” a characterization that reflects the energy and spontaneity of their approach.

With bright colors and recurring symbols, Naamloozz painted the pillars of the Mandela Bridge. In some areas, the raw concrete was left visible—a deliberate choice, since the material itself possesses beauty. A prominent symbol is the black bird, which, according to Naamloozz & Visser, expresses freedom and creativity.

After the exhibition, the work was acquired by the municipality of Arnhem, along with two ping-pong tables by Louie Cordero. Since then, new graffiti has appeared on the paintings. Thanks to a special protective layer, unwanted graffiti can be removed, but the municipality has not yet done so. In this way, the work has become part of the dynamic urban ecology, in which other graffiti artists also leave their marks.

Geen Titel, 2016

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