Luke Bode Stroke3037 (2021)

In the spring of 2021, the mural Stroke3037 was applied to a front facade on Koningsveldestraat by the Rotterdam artist Luuk Bode. It was important that the energy of the painting matched the energy that prevails on the square in front. It is an active place for the adjacent studio building where children play, residents meet and occasionally events are organised. The basis of 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 various 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.” The painting was created on the initiative of the artist and was made possible by CBK Rotterdam, Murals Inc (production), Wijkraad Liskwartier, Municipality of Rotterdam and Vestia.