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Projects - Stories in Stone

Projects / 2024

Stories in Stone

In the future, the Hondsrugweg in Amstel III, Amsterdam will make way for a new park – Hondsrug Park. This green space will become a vibrant gathering place within the mixed-use neighborhood of Amstel III. While some small, existing measures have already hinted at the park’s future, the municipality’s placemaking program ‘HOBU’ aims to further enhance the livability of the area for residents and visitors. One key initiative is to transform the temporary concrete traffic barriers by painting them with an artwork that anticipates the future park design.


The core of this art project ‘Stories in Stone’ revolves around the personal, handwritten stories of new and existing residents of Amsterdam South-East. They shared their stories and experiences about the neighborhood on paper, in their own handwriting. For example, one of these texts, written by a young adult in a distinctive handwriting with a beautiful combination of round and sharp forms, has been translated into one of the designs on the concrete blocks. These unique texts form the basis for this artwork.

I translated the words into visual compositions, giving each text its own abstract form on the concrete traffic barriers. Each block has its own character and tells a unique story of a resident in a varying color palette that matches the colors of nature in a creative way. The arrangement of the artwork symbolizes connection and unity among the residents, with stories literally and figuratively linked together. With a life-sized 200 meter long painted artwork, these stories enliven the traffic barriers along the Hondsrugweg.

48 Years old.
Lives in Amsterdam South-East for 17 years.

33 Years old.
Lives in Amsterdam South-East for 2 years.

Young Adult.
Lives in Amsterdam South-East for 8 months.

29 years old.
Lives in Amsterdam South-East for 25+ years.

10 Years old.
Lives in Amsterdam South-East for 1 year.

Young Adult.

specs +

2024 Year

Capsule

250 m Dimensions

This Sqeleton is made of
Paint on concrete

‘Stories in Stone’ serves as an inspiration for the future park and transforms the traffic barriers into vibrant canvases. It fosters a sense of connectedness and unity among the residents of Amsterdam Zuidoost, making the area a dynamic space where stories come together.

The introduction of public art will make the area more enjoyable and livable, adding vibrancy to the environment. The artwork will also create a visual connection between the present urban landscape and the envisioned future Hondsrug Park, helping to transition the road’s function into a green space. At the same time, the colorful and visually striking barriers will guide traffic safely while being highly visible. Moreover, this initiative will help bridge the gap between new and existing residents of Southeast Amsterdam, Bijlmer, and Amstel III, fostering a sense of community in this evolving area.

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