When I was first asked to take on this project, I had my doubts. Could I really turn this ugly sound barrier into something beautiful? And more importantly—did I even want to?
But almost immediately, an idea came to mind: instead of fighting against the ridges in the metal panels, why not work with them? I imagined blocks of different colors, with linework that would flow from one section to the next.
The people in the neighborhood asked for a more nature-inspired color palette — something softer and more organic than what I usually use. So I based my concept on an abstract interpretation of a sunset and sunrise. That way, I could stay close to nature, but still play with greens and some more vibrant colors.
Not gonna lie—the first two days of painting, I kept thinking: What did I get myself into? The surface was a nightmare, and I thought it would take forever.
But once I started adding the colors, it all came together. The shapes, lines, and colors worked really well with the ridges of the wall, and it all just started to make sense.
Commissioner: Gemeente Alkmaar
Location: Sperwerstraat, Alkmaar
Surface: 100m2
