A new mural by artist Luuk Bode was recently placed on the refurbished Koningsveldeplein. The mural will be opened on 3 October, at the same time as a new facade artwork by Diederik Klomberg.
It was important that the mural Stroke3037 would match the energy that prevails on the square. The square on Koningsveldestraat is an active place: children play there, many people meet there and events are organized in the summer time.
The basis of Luuk Bode's design consists of brushstrokes: a reference to making art in the adjacent studio building, where Luuk also has his own studio. The brushstrokes have different signatures, because the artists create different work in their studios. In addition, the design seems to have an upward movement. This reflects the suggestion of growth. It refers not only to the greenery on the square, but also to the visitors who come there. It is striking that they are of all ages: small children with parents or grandparents, school-age children, young people and adults who meet there or visit the restaurant and the gallery. The use of color is tailored to the environment. It responds to the present, characteristic colors to make a connection. Luuk Bode also wanted to add to the environment with this mural by using colors that were not yet present.
Bode says of the mural, “When I was working, I experienced that the abstraction has a stimulating effect on adults and perhaps even more so with children. It was nice to see that the mural has enough appeal because of the clear shapes and colors to arouse interest among a large group of people, not everyone often comes into contact with abstract art. People tend to look for figuration in the image. I've heard many different interpretations, from animals, letters to Fortnite skins and Pokemons. There was a lively discussion among a group of children as to which Pokemon it was.”
Luuk Bode is an artist who lives and works in Rotterdam. His portfolio shows a wide variety of paintings, murals, drawings and sculptures. Throughout his career, he developed a strong sense of color and shapes, making his work increasingly abstract. Though the reference to his earlier works – with street art influences and iconic cartoonish figures – can still be seen in the powerful explosions of form and color he uses today. The contemporary urban landscape serves as an infinite source of inspiration for Bode. He observes and interprets all kinds of shapes in every material: the unpredictable angles of modern skylines, shifting perspectives as you walk through the streets of the city, reflections in the water or the facade of a building and (brand) signs on the road.
In Gallery Untitled is the solo exhibition until 3 October Invading Space to see. This exhibition provides an overview of Bode's work over the past four years.
Made possible by CBK Rotterdam, Murals Inc (production), Wijkraad Liskwartier, Municipality of Rotterdam and Vestia.