"A tongue is made for licking"

Unknown

De Pauw

Joram Roukes

<div>&nbsp; This mural by artist Joram Roukes is the highest Blind Wall so far, 38 meters high! Both for us and Joram a highlight in many ways. The mural is painted on the front facade of Residentie Bergschot in the Breda neighbourhood Heusdenhout. It’s not just the highest Blind Wall so far, but also the highest mural in North-Brabant.&nbsp;<br><br></div><div>The flowers represent the diversity and transience of the neighbourhood. We asked the residents of the building and neighbourhood to send us input for the design on the vase. That question was answered with a wide variety of tastes, opinions and memories. Even though Heusdenhout is only 50 years old and seems quiet, there have been many changes over the years. The vase represents bringing together all individual elements (flowers). The vase is composed of parts from various vases, just like the history of the neighbourhood knows various periods.<br><br></div><div>The oak tree on the vase is a reference to the origin of the name Heusdenhout. The most used explanation of the place name Heusdenhout, previously <em>Hosenhout</em> or <em>Hosenholt</em>, is: <em>‘forest of towering trees, where one finds wood to make stems from’.</em> This tree is also shown on Heusdenhout’s coat of arms. In addition to the coat of arms there’s also a flag. Two symbols that are rarely used by the neighbourhoud or evoke pride. Joram hopes this mural will.&nbsp;<br><br></div>

Diversity & Transcience

Kruella D'Enfer

<div>&nbsp;This Blind Wall is a reference to the changes in the Fellenoord neighbourhood and the future city park on the old Seelig area.<br><br></div><div>Traditional houses and modern buildings refer to the balance between old and new. The river ‘De Mark’ flows through the luscious green landscape and embraces all the elements.<br><br></div><div>The paper plane symbolises the playfulness of the new park and the changes in the area.&nbsp;<br><br></div>

The Mark

Hedof

Fin DAC

<div>Hidden somewhere in a private back garden........Fin Dac put up another "Hidden Beauty"</div>

“Oralali” hidden beauty

Untitled

Reskate Studio

<div>For Blindwalls project<br><br>&nbsp;"Innovation comes from good tradition". The reconstruction after World War II of the neighbourhood De Heuvel in Breda followed two trends. Architect Peutz is innovative, which is visible in the use of his materials and striking light, while architect Molière stands for recognizable traditions, visible in the use of robust bricks. Innovation and tradition come out as the two sides of the same coin.&nbsp;</div>

Reconstruction

Staynice

<div>Staynice have created the longest Blind Walls mural so far. The sweet shapes that stretch across the tunnels were inspired by the (partly disappeared) confectionery industry in Breda. The wasteland that once was the CSM site is one of the last memories of this industry. The mural contains shapes of floating candy papers, candybars and black and yellow colours that refer to NAC, a Dutch professional football club located at this road. When the wind blows in the right direction, the Perfetti Van Melle factory down the street adds a sweet dimension to the painting.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2016 -&nbsp;</div>

Longest BWG mural

Rutger Termohlen

<div>Bunker Tattoo is a well-known name in Breda. In 2017 the tattoo shop celebrated their 16th birthday, the perfect opportunity for a homage. Blind Walls Gallery challenged the team to draw several tattoo flashes that could be made into a mural. Artist and tattooist at Bunker, Rutger Termohlen, was offered the chance to paint the flashes on a wall in large scale.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Throughout its history, the Rozemarijnstraat (street) has had a bad reputation. The street was even considered one of the dirtiest streets in Breda in 1839. Around that time, tattooists or people with tattoos were associated with bad people and criminal activities. So this street is the perfect location for Rutger and the Bunker Team to change people’s minds once and for all!<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

Homage to Bunker Tattoo

Derk Thijs

<div>This mural is a modern take on the 14th century fresco ‘Allegory of good and bad government’ by Lorenzetti. The main character is “Ben Commune”, The Common Interest. Around are the six virtues and on the left is Lustitia, justice. Lustitia is looking up to Sapientia, wisdom. The position is based on the painting of Lorenzetti, but the starting point is the position of the lights in the ceiling. The positive figures lights up in the evening. The idea is a cosmic order, which emphasises the importance of the depicted values.</div><div>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

The Cosmic Order

Job 'Letman' Wouters

<div>Job ‘Letman’ Wouters made a unique letter artwork on the wall with his ‘spray can-machine’. The diversity in colours and whimsical shapes of this mural refer to the turbulent past of the place where Job made the work. A chapel was built in the 15th century, it was used as a cemetery in the 16th century, a vegetable garden in the 19th century and as barracks in the 20th century.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2014 - E</div><div><br></div>

The Spraymachine of Letman

Maikki Rantala

<div>This historical miniature house with brick facades and many corners is a real challenge to paint. The story of this mural dates back to the 19th century catering school located at the site. Maikki Rantala refers to this with a variety of ceramic plates in traditional Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic and even Finnish styles.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2016 -&nbsp;</div>

Unique Tableware

P.Winkel

<div>Frits Pirard may be the most successful cyclist from Breda. He raced with well-known cyclists such as Joop Zoetemelk, Jan Raas and Gerrie Kneteman. Pirard is the only cyclist from Breda that has ever worn the yellow jersey after his victory in the first stage of the Tour de France in 1983.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Sign painter P. Winkel (NL) painted the display case next to the bicycle park as a tribute to Pirard’s impressive career. The painting contains many references to his cycling career. The years refer to the duration of his professional career, the logos to the teams and sponsors and of course a portrait of Pirard next to the flag of Brabant<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

The most succesful cyclist of the south

Super-A

<div>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2013 -&nbsp;</div>

Super A

Damien Poulain

<div>Located at Bosschtraat 113 is tattoo shop Creet Ink, Damien Poulain painted it’s window shutters and door.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2016 -&nbsp;</div>

Happy Shutters Project

<div>The Dutch company J.P. Mol build a new factory in 1941. Beyond the office was a production hall. The company sold the buildings to another firm in 1983. They demolished the production hall and its replacement was a construction warehouse. Nowadays Podium Bloos is located here.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2007 -&nbsp;</div>

Guido de Boer

<div>Guido de Boer&nbsp; was inspired by the work ‘Head Dope Dead Hope’ by local artist Pieter Laurens Mol. Mol’s former studio was located nearby in the Spoorstraat. Guido and his brother Vincent de Boer made a diptych as a tribute to the artist.After finishing the mural we heard about the story of two friends who both battled an alcohol addiction for almost 26 years. In 2016 one of them had an accident due to a psychosis and died from his injuries a few days later. The man lived in the room above Guido’s mural, which adds extra meaning to it.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

Head Dope Dead Hope

Studio Kratje Beeld

<div>Studio Kratje Beeld was inspired by various historical stories around the Doelsteeg. The mural shows craft students working on assembling a dragon. The students refers to the the technical school that opened 1886. The dragon refers to the legend George and the Dragon and is also the Patron Saint for the St. George’s Arches Guild. The archery lessons of the guild was held in the now called Doelsteeg.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>If you look closely you’ll see a contemporary road racing bicycle. The bicycle is a reference to the former popular bicycle shop ‘Louis van Dijk Fietshandel’ whose facade is now painted.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2016 -&nbsp;</div>

The Doelsteeg

Frans van Veen

<div>The mural shows the ‘Haagse dike’ that could be found on outskirts of the former municipality of Princenhage. The dike was of great importance to the village and saved it from the Saint Elisabeth flood in 1421. In 2017 the foundation ‘Princenhage – Village in Breda’ remembers the fact that Princenhage was annexed by the city of Breda 75 years ago. It was clear that local artist Frans van Veen was the right choice to paint a mural to be reminded of this anniversary.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

Sint Elisabethsvloed

Vincent de Boer

<div>In 1970, artist Pieter Laurens Mol painted his work ‘Publicity for the Mind’ on the facade of his studio at the Spoorstraat in Breda. Unfortunately the words ‘All Happens Inside’ have disappeared over the years. Inspired by Mol’s work, Vincent de Boer created a tribute to the artist.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

All Happens Inside

Kitra

<div>For a special project called FietsFiesta (a festival that celebrates bicycle culture in Breda), Kitra came to Breda to spruce up the cycling path behind the central station with his distinctive and colourful patterns. He spent 10 days in the scorching sun to paint the 250 meter long path. Less than a week later he was asked to paint a cycling path in Bucharest. Needless to say he wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to do this a second time.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

Cycling on art

TecKeL

<div>The lodge at this open air bicycle parking is painted in camouflage colours and illustrated with orioles. The camouflage is a wink to the Royal Military Academy (KMA), located behind the lodge. The singing bird (in the colours of the city football club NAC) symbolise the music in the city.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2013 -&nbsp;</div>

Colourful bicycle parking

Aron Vellekoop

<div>Aron Vellekoop is a true craftsman in the digital age, but had rely on a computer for this piece. An 8GB file depicts the theme of mobility on the facade of the oldest car park of the city (1968).<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2015 -&nbsp;</div>

Mobility

Studio Ruwe Data

<div>This time no Blind Wall mural but artwork in a pub. Blind Walls Gallery and Cafe De Bruine Pij joined forces and asked Thijs Kelder (Studio Ruwedata) to make something special. Thijs was inspired by stories from ‘De Pij’ and the nearby church ‘Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenkerk’. Each object in the diptych tells a different story.&nbsp;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Several images are a reference to the biker and blues history of De Bruine Pij, but it also explains the story of the free peanuts. The church is represented as well. Discover the stories about a bleeding communion wafer, the filthy rich and a mummified cat.&nbsp;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

Art in a pub

Tom de Meer

<div>For a long time ‘the dark corner’ at Galaxy Youthcentre in Haagse Beemden has been an eyesore for locals. As part of the JOP improvement project, Youri Oerlemans, youth worker at Surplus Welzijn, invited Tilburg urban artist MEER (Tom de Meer) to transform the hangout spot to a work of art.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Tom’s design consists of a group of goldfinches, aka rebellious, mischievous little birds that are standing up for themselves, which is a reference to the kids who hang out here because they get sent away everywhere else. In his hometown Tilburg Tim has painted several murals, this is his first one in Breda. He considers it a great honour that his mural has been added to the Blind Walls Gallery.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

Naughty Birds

BoonieM

<div>Not everyone’s a fan of graffiti, it’s often seen as a negative term. A bunch of different styles placed next to each other don’t necessarily make an alley look better. We try to find a middle ground, so we can restore the appearance of the city. In order to reach that goal, we work with artists that have often started their career by illegally spray painting walls.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The alley between Mols Parking and Ginnekenstraat is a perfect example, for as long as the inhabitants of Breda can remember, this alley has been covered in graffiti. We invited BoonieM (NL) to give the alley an upgrade. He spent several days painting panels that offer a look into the sometimes mysterious world of graffiti.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;</div><div>The panels were placed in the window frames that were always covered in posters on top of posters and layers of graffiti. The panels are a nice contrast to the mural by Mike Perry on the opposite side of the mural.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 - Ed</div>

Twee Muizen

<div>This mural at the <strong>Akkerstraat</strong> was created by artist-duo <strong>Twee Muizen</strong> and is part of the annual <strong>National History Month</strong> (October). The theme of <strong>National History Month</strong> in 2019 is <strong>She/He</strong>, which explores how gender differences were formed throughout history. With <strong>Stadsarchief Breda</strong> (the city archives) we researched the story of <strong>Maria van Antwerpen</strong> (a woman), who pretended to be Jan van Ant (a man). Maria (from Breda) applied for the army as Jan van Ant and married a woman twice. One day, she was recognised as Maria van Antwerpen and put on trial for <em>‘vulgar and severe forgery’</em> and <em>‘mocking the godly and humanly laws’</em> and was banned from Brabant.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;<br><br></div>

Maaike Canne

<div>On Thursday June 27th 2019, this mural was unveiled together with Cultuurnacht Breda and alderman of Culture Marianne de Bie, at the schoolyard of KBS Laurentius. The idea for the mural came from Kiek Masclee, the 2018 Children’s Mayor of Culture. This special kind of mayor is chosen after the yearly Children’s Culture Night project by Cultuurnacht Breda, in collaboration with Nieuwe Veste, which allows children to describe their ideas about art and culture in Breda in a manifest. It was Kiek’s wish to work on a blind wall mural, together with her class. Just before the class had to say goodbye to elementary school, their wish was granted.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The mural is based on the children’s book ‘Het Verdwenen Zwaard’ (The Lost Sword), written by Martine Letterie. The story is about 3 children during the siege of Breda in 1625. Kiek and her class read the book in the 7th grade. The design consists of various objects that refer to certain events in the book. There’s Breda’s coat of arms, Spinola’s lost sword, and the burning church in Ginneken, which was occupied by the Spanish. The mural was made by Dutch artist Maaike Canne. During the creation of the mural, Kiek and her class got the chance to help Maaike colouring in the design.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

Maaike Canne 

Studio Octovidu

<div>Studio Octovidu was inspired by the story of Jan Ingenhousz and created a 32 meters long painting in the Magnoliastraat. Design made by Dominique van der Mast. Jan Ingenhousz is probably the most famous person of Breda. He was a physician, chemicus and botanist. In 1779 Jan discovered photosynthesis by showing that light is essential to the process by which green plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. In his lifetime he was best known for successfully inoculating the members of the Habsburg family in Vienna against smallpox in 1768 and subsequently being the private counsellor and personal physician to the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div>

Otecki

<div>This mural is based on the liberation of Breda on October 29th 1944, by the Polish 1st Armoured Division, led by General Stanislaw Maczek. One of the most important historic events in Breda. We were on the hunt for a wall since last year (2018), around the Polish field of honour. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a wall that would do the story justice. The sidewall of De Teruggave (the former tax office) does. The 27-meter high mural is a tribute to the people that gave their lives for our freedom. The area surrounding De Teruggave was previously used as training grounds by the army, which makes this location even more special.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Otecki aka <em>Wojciech Kołacz </em>took inspiration from a photo from <strong>Stadsarchief Breda</strong> (the city archives). The photo shows two young girls, <strong>Ria Vermeulen-Welten</strong> and <strong>Ineke van Wijck</strong>, who are writing messages on a Polish tank. Ria, who is now 92 years old, was at the unveiling on September 14th 2019.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The mural is part of the <a href="https://www.brabantremembers.com/"><strong>Brabant Remembers</strong></a> project. Brabant Remembers tells personal stories about the Second World War. Big and small, about mobilisation, rebellion, collaboration or the liberation. Seventy-five stories surrounding a life-changing choice. Together with municipalities and partners, these stories are translated into an innovative and cultural programma in 2019-2020.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -</div>

Een ode aan de 1ste Poolse pantserdivisie

hedof

<div>On December 21st 2017, wel-known American fast-food chain Taco Bell openend a new restaurant in Breda.Taco Bell invited designer Hedof (NL) to create a mural for the new premises. The mural is a playful mix in which Hedof combined the surrounding area with the Mexican taco.&nbsp;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Located nearby the restaurant lies the Valkenberg park. The name ‘valkenberg’ derives from the falconry that was practiced with great pleasure in the former garden by the Nassau’s and their guests. Besides the historical reference you’ll also see a modern lighthouse. This work of art is created by Aldo Rossy and has become a recognisable object for people on their way to the city center.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div>

Mexican fastfood with a Dutch touch

BRUCE TMC

<div>Haveneiland (loosely translated: Harbour Island). Since 2014 it has been thé destination for creative organisations and initiatives, who work on development within the fields of entrepreneurship, sustainability, recreation, sport and culture. The former industrial site doesn’t look that appealing to everyone, so the users of the area asked us to (have someone) design signposting that would catch the eye. Soon we figured out that the area would benefit more from a visual identity that makes the organisations more of a unity, makes the area feel more welcoming and improves the overall vibe during events and activities.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Shapes from the surrounding area Artists P. Winkel and Bruce TMC were inspired by the different shapes they found on the site and from this, they developed a visual identity that’s applicable to the many shapes and objects in the area. The design provides a more open look and feel as well as better visibility and familiarity.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

A new look for Haveneiland

Gummy Gue

<div>A long time ago, a small river by the name of “De Gampel” flowed through the city towards the harbour. The river was severely polluted, which lead to poor living conditions: lots of diseases, crime and other misery. The river was subdued in 1897, but the negativity surrounding the neighbourhood stayed. In an attempt to change this bad reputation, in 1980 the area was renewed and renamed “Gerardus Majella”. To this day it’s a neighbourhood where people stick around for a long time, sometimes even for four generations.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The square in the middle of the neighbourhood was recently renewed by adding a football cage. The football cage was named after Hein van Gastel, who grew up in the area. The square surrounding the cage gets called “Zwarte Plein” (black square), because of the asphalt.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Italian brothers Marco and Andrea Mangione, aka Gummy Gue, transformed the square into a colourful work of art. The colours are a reference to the Gampel. Gummy Gue was an obvious choice, they have painted many sports fields and skateparks in cities around Europe. Due to the bad weather, Marco and Andrea (and our many lovely volunteers!) weren’t able to finish the painting back in December 2018, So they came back in the Spring of 2019 to finish it.</div><div>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

A dirty river

Studio Slurp

<div>When a young Queen Beatrix decided to celebrate her first Queen’s Day in Breda, rumours quickly spread about hundreds of youths planning to demonstrate against this. Willem Merkx, then mayor of Breda, was afraid things would escalate so on the early morning of April 30 1981 he decided to preventatively arrest people, before there was any case of civil disorder.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>This mostly happened based on appearance: a leather jacket, a button or having long hair as a man was enough. In total, 148 people were violently arrested, and spent the rest of the day in a police cage without food, water or sanitary facilities. The arrests lead to a national demonstration with the slogan ‘Stop Politiegeweld Nu’ (stop police violence now), held on June 27 1981 in Amsterdam, Groningen, Roermond, Utrecht and Breda.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The painting was made during History Month, themed ‘protest’, for which the students did research at Stadsarchief Breda (city archives). The painting is located on the new BN de Stem (newspaper) office, which is the former police station<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div>

The 148 of Breda

Zenk One

<div>For the next 5 years, a big white fence will ‘adorn’ the <strong>Grote Markt</strong> (great square), due to the restoration of the<strong> Grote Kerk</strong> (church). During the last week 0f 2019, the first panels of a 16 meter long ‘Blind Wall’ were placed on the fence. In collaboration with the Grote Kerk we asked artist Zenk One (Robin Nas) to visualize the stories of this special location. New panels will be added regularly so that the Blind Wall will grow.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Directly after placing the fencing, the question to create a Blind Wall arose from politics and businesses in Breda. The fencing is difficult to paint, which is why we decided to create an artwork with 48 panels of 1×1 meters. Regularly we will be adding 4 to 6 new panels at a time, this way the artwork will grow for the next 3 years until it’s complete.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;</div><div>Just like the other Blind Walls, this one is inspired by its location. Zenk One’s work shows the Grote Markt and Grote Kerk as a meeting place through the ages. Inspiration for the panels comes from both the rich past and present of this location. The first panels suit the season and are inspired by Christmas. They’re also reminiscent of the oldest townscape in the Dutch art of painting, which shows Christus and the Samaritan woman in a hilly landscape with Breda and of course the Grote Kerk in the background.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;<br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br></div>

Nase Pop

<div>During ‘The Week of Dutch Beer’, Nase Pop (NL/AR) painted four walls in the tunnel at Doornboslaan. For the colour palette, he took inspiration from the coat of arms of Breda and historic adverts of Breda Beer Brewery the ‘Three Horses-Shoes’. People have been talking about the ‘Drij Hoefijsers’ brewery since 1628. Because of the high quality brewing water the brewery’s reputation was on the rise and quickly grew to be one of the biggest breweries in the Netherlands. The main office is situated at the close-by Ceresstraat. The complex is a rare example of the industrial past of the 1929 crisis, with attention to material and architecture.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

Laurens van Gurp

<div>This window painting is part of <a href="https://www.vitragebreda.nl/">VITRAG,</a> a concept aimed at temporarily filling in stores that are up for rent in the city centre of Breda. Young illustrators are asked to create a design based on the surrounding area. The paintings are made with chalk markers.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The Haagdijk is a street with a rich past, this window painting is based on the history of the building: “The Little Angel”. In 1687 a horse-powered grain mill was situated here. When the building was connected with the adjacent building it was named “De Cleynen Engel” (the little angel). Since then the building has served various purposes, including an iron foundry and a warehouse. Today, an architect is situated here and the space behind the display window is available for rent.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div>

A new life for empty windows

Hansje van Halem

<div>The former tax-collection office has been re-named ‘De Teruggave’ (The Return). Today it is a community of companies, social organisations and an information centre. Over the following years, the building will be redeveloped from a place you’d avoid back in the day, to a lively building where people feel welcome.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Graphic designer Hansje van Halem (NL) designed a hall runner for the information centre. The pattern symbolises renewal and the various forces that are needed to achieve this, such as an involved government, industry, education and civilians. The observant visitor has probably noticed that this isn’t actually a mural, but a print on a sticker.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div>

TAXES! TAXES!

<div>Skatepark and event venue Pier15 invited Maaike Canne to create this mural. The café area of the skatepark has been completely renewed, this mural being it’s first step. The mural has perfectly merged into the interior. The mural wraps around two corners and makes it’s way all the way down the stairs, making it feel like you’re walking into the painting. The lines in the painting aren’t straight, but definitely smoothly painted, making it a dynamic piece. It gives you a distorted perception of depth.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div>

Pier15

Thijs Lansbergen

<div>The first record of the Liesbos dates back to 1268, making it one of the oldest Dutch deciduous forests. From the 15th century the forest was owned by the Nassaus, who mainly used it for hunting. The royals would ride through the forest in a carriage and used hunting falcons to hunt blue herons, among others. A fortification made sure that no wildlife could escape from the forest. In 1795 the forest became open to the public.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Near the forest lies ‘de Kloek’, a much used underpass between Breda and the Liesbos. Neighbourhood association ‘De Liesbundel’ contacted the Blind Walls Gallery to spruce up the blotched, dark tunnel. Thijs Lansbergen (NL) took inspiration from the rich history of the area and its residents. His mural is a cheerful arrangement of the forest, plants, birds, squirrels, falcons and people that walk, cycle or eat together.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

Oldest Deciduous forest

Frau Isa

<div>Austrian artist Frau Isa painted not one, but two murals on an apartment building at the Middellaan. Some people from Breda will recognise the designs right away: Isa’s work is inspired by the glorious past of the Kwatta factory.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The 16-meter high diptych shows a "Kwatta" girl (right) and a "Kwatta "soldier (left), two well-known concepts in Breda. From the end of the 19th century, the Chocolate Factory Kwatta stood here, the bars that the factory produced became "world-famous" in the Benelux. Soldiers were depicted on the bars of the bars, which could be saved as stamps for a free bar or a tin soldier. If you had saved 100 soldiers, you could exchange them for the coveted bendable soldier.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Most Kwatta employees were young girls, famously known as the Kwatta meisjes (girls). An original Kwatta-girl was present at the official unveiling (August 18th 2019) of the murals, Corry Dieckmann. The murals have been made possible thanks to the contribution of Alwel and the neighbourhood platform.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div>

Kwatta

Amok Island

<div>In between many Spring-showers, <strong>Amok Island</strong> created this eye-catching, but modest mural at the Vincent van Goghstraat. A mural by Amok Island had been on our wishlist for a long time and is now finally part of Blind Walls Gallery. Amok Island had a wish himself too, he really wanted to paint a potato plant.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>So that’s exactly what we did! The mural was inspired by the nearby Gasthuisvelden (loosely translated ‘guesthouse fields’), ánd the name of the street where the mural was painted, the Vincent van Goghstraat. The Gasthuisvelden are named after the once nearby Catholic guesthouse at the Haagdijk, where the ‘sick and needy’ and elderly were taken care of. At the time, the surrounding fields were used as a growing patch and a crop field where, you guessed it, potato plants grew too. <br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Not much research was required regarding the Vincent van Goghstraat, as one of Van Gogh’s most famous works is, of course, The Potato Eaters.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- <a href="https://blindwalls.gallery/">Blind Walls Gallery</a> | 2019 -&nbsp;<br><br></div><div><br></div>

An overgrown potato plant

Evi Hogervorst

<div>For the newest Hutspot branch in the Houtmarktpassage, illustrator Evi Hogervorst created a colourful mural in the display window of the store. The Hutspot stores are known for their stylish interior, in which they play with colours and shapes. As with every store, Hutspot wanted to support local talent and offer a platform for their creativity. Evi approached Hutspot herself about creating the mural, just a month after her graduation at art academy AKV St. Joost she got to work.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

Cutting corners

Mantra

<div>Many other areas of Breda are covered in green, but the Tuinzigt neighbourhood lacks some serious urban nature. This mural brings nature to Tuinzigt, with butterflies species that are nearly extinct in the Netherlands. From top to bottom you’ll see a butterfly peacock, thistle butterfly and a blue butterfly. Nearby neighbourhood Westerpark consists of streetnames named after a mix of butterflies species, which is a funny coincidence.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div>

The most beautiful butterflies of the city

Alfalfa

<div>For this mural, of a pigeon dressed in traditional Dutch attire, AlfAlfA took inspiration from the many pigeon breeders that once lived around Dijklaan. At least 14 pigeon breeders supposedly lived in the area, among which also the former Dutch pigeon sport champion. The Dijklaan is home to one of the most famous pigeon doctors in the world. Pigeon sports are still very popular, almost 17.000 still hold pigeons for sport of recreation.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 - E</div>

The prettiest pigeon of Breda

Colectivo Licuado

<div>The people of 16th century Breda sure enjoyed a solid meal and a drink (or two, three, four). In 1544, the city council organised a Pentecost meal at the city hall, for church wardens and clerics of the Grote Kerk (Church) of Breda. A wide range of roasted meats was served, followed by a second course consisting of ‘Teteringse’ cheeses, a speciality in that time. Guests were also offered a choice of over 77 jugs of wine.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The women plays an important role in the paintings of Collective Licuado. For this painting Camilo and Florencia were inspired by the still lifes of artist Clara Peeters, one of the very few female painters during the Golden Age. Camilo and Florencia are both vegetarians, which is why they didn’t add any meat to their mural.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div>

A solid meal

Smug

Jaune

<div>Late November 2018 an invasion of miniature sanitation workers took place in our city. They even built their own mini-village. These funny characters are the work of street artist Jaune (BE), in collaboration with Vroom &amp; Varossieau we invited him to come to Breda. Invisible workersJaune’s work, which can be found on many walls in Europe and abroad, consists of small, humorous garbagemen and workmen in fluorescent safety clothingThe idea for his stencil art arose during the time Jaune himself worked as a sanitation worker. He noticed that he seemed to be invisible to other people, despite wearing fluorescent clothing.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

A small garbagemen village

<div>Zenk One (NL) created a tribute to kickboxing legend Ramon Dekkers. The design features boxing gloves, a Thai floral wreath and a diamond, which is a reference to his nickname ’The Diamond’. Dekkers was an eight time Muay Thai world champion and the first foreigner to be given the title of ‘Thaiboxer of the Year’. This made Dekkers a hero in Thailand. In 2013 Dekkers died unexpectedly during training. Local Tuinzigt inhabitants Ivonne Peeters and Ciska Jansen made it their mission to make this mural happen.<br><br></div><div>Robin Nas aka Zenk One became known for his realistic portraits, which he later mixed with a more graphic style. Today he travels the world to create large-scale murals in his distinctive style.<br>(Source: www.blindwalls.gallery)</div>

"The Diamond"

Sten And Oli

Creepy Fella

Jonno Vaes & Nick van Steen

<div>Gielis Beys was born into a prosperous family, being the son and grandson of Princenhage aldermen. Like many people in the 16th century, Gielis moved to Antwerp in the hopes of finding fortune. In 1564 Gielis started working as a servant in the printing house owned by the famous Christoffel Plantijn. Christoffel was the chief printer for King Phillip II of Spain, his most important work being the Biblia Regia (King’s Bible). A few years later, Gielis married Plantijn’s daughter Madeleine. At that time Gielis was in charge of the Plantijn bookshop in Paris, but he argued a lot with his father-in-law. As a consequence, Gielis and his family ended up living in poverty for many years.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Nick van Steen (Radical Artworks) and Jonno Vaes created this colourful, typographical tribute to Gielis in the Gielis Beijsstraat.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div>

Boy from Princenhage finds his luck in Antwerp

<div>Mols Parking and its surrounding area have a rich history. Throughout the years, many different companies and businesses were located here, such as the ‘Simons Kuiperij en Houtzagerij’ lumber mill and woodsheds that were situated here between 1898 en 1968.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Over the years a lot has changed in the wood and timber industry, the biggest threat to the survival of our rainforests is deforestation for palm oil. Palm plantations have expanded rapidly in Indonesia, at the expense of rainforests. At this rate, the habitat of the Bird of Paradise will eventually vanish, a species that can only be found on the Indonesian island of Papua.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>With this mural, illustrator Rick Berkelmans, aka Hedof (NL), hopes to make people aware of the situation in a positive, yet urgent way. The mural consists of a bird of paradise that’s being comforted by a girl, and a frog that’s protecting them from the rain, there are also plants, cut down trees and a tarsier that represent the Indonesian rainforest. Whilst creating the mural, Hedof got help from Rowan Graafland, Julie van Zessen, Marije Zwienenberg, Niek Vergeer and Tijsje Revalk.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The mural is part of the worldwide Greenpeace project <a href="http://&lt;img class=/">#WingsOfParadise</a>. Street artists from all over the world, from Melbourne to Taipei and Vienna to Los Angeles, have created murals to raise awareness on the topic.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

Wings of paradise

Joren Joshua

<div>This whopper of a mural, done by Joren Joshua, stretches to 130(!) meters. The mural Is based on the story of Cornelius van Gogh, Vincent van Gogh’s forgotten younger brother, and the Backer &amp; Rueb machine factory. Joren’s creation shows the coming and going of factory workers, assembling the trains that made Backer &amp; Rueb famous. It also features a man with bright orange hair, that man is Cornelius (Cor) van Gogh, Vincent van Gogh’s younger brother.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Because of his technical background, Cor worked at Backer &amp; Rueb for a few years. Cor didn’t enjoy the Netherlands much, so he moved to South Africa, where he worked as a draftsman for the South-African Railways. Eventually, Cor joined the army during the Second Boer War. Sadly Cor wasn’t much of a fighter, and he quickly ended up in the hospital, where he committed suicide at the young age of 32.</div><div>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;</div><div>This mural is part of the Van Gogh Murals, a collaboration with Van Gogh Brabant and Zuidlijn. The project aims to make five murals in five cities: Tilburg, Eindhoven, Helmond, Den Bosch and Breda. Joren Joshua spent two weeks painting the mural, with a little help from Marije Maria, Ilse Weisfelt, Thomas &amp; Jurgen and Fernandoleon.&nbsp;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2019 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

Busy, Busy Workers! 

Sticky Fingers

<div>During Culture Night Breda 2018 you could witness the creation of a new mural. Artists “Sticky Fingers” from Breda and Gent were inspired by the interesting contrast around the area of the Gasthuisvelden. Loosely translated, ‘Gasthuisvelden’ means guesthouse fields. The road was named after the once nearby ‘Catholic Guesthouse’ at Haagdijk, where the ‘sick and needy’ and elderly were taken care of. At the time, the surrounding fields were used as a growing patch and crop field.&nbsp;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The Gasthuisvelden had a lot of purposes. The military took the place between the river Mark and the Haagdijk to use it as a military drill yard in 1682. In 1960 it was home to the Tax and Customs administration and in the eighties it housed a court. Briefly summarised, the area balances between coercion and nursing, between orders and free will and between machine and human. This project was established by KOP, Blind Walls Gallery and Sticky Fingers Graffiti.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2018 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

Sticky Fingers 

I, robot, don't have the capacity to dream about tomorrow, but I never spell a word wrong

Narcoze

Een, Twee, Drie

Ilse Weisfelt

<div>There used to be a horse stable on the site of the bike shed on which Ilse Weisfelt made her mural. Hence a playful mix of past and present with an illustration of a rider on a bike and a cyclist on a horse.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2015 -&nbsp;</div>

Het Stalen Ros

<div>On the walls of the sanitary cabin in the new city marina Hedof shows the ‘key figures’ of this neighborhood: sailors, recreationists and passing families. The decor refers to the buildings of the city.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2015 -&nbsp;</div>

Sailors and recreationist

Amigos

Sawe

Flai

Yubla

Guan & Sunkist

Zenkone

Collin van der Sluijs

<div>The mural is inspired by the painting Las Lanzas, aka La rendición de Breda (the surrender of Breda), by Diego Velázquez. The painting from 1634 illustrates the victory of Spain in which Governor Justinus hands over the key of the city to Spinola.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Five Spanish and five Dutch street artists made a 110 meters long mural on the wall of the former CSM factory. In the middle of the mural you’ll see a contemporary version of the key. A sign of a friendly battle with paint.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2012 -</div>

Combat Súper Mural

<div>The electronic factory Electron was once part of machine factory Backer and Rueb. The original buildings were destroyed by a fire in 1958. A new property was built designed by architect M. Blokdijk. The building is nowadays a place for artists and their art studios. The building is a perfect preserved example of postwar industrial heritage.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2008 -&nbsp;</div>

Staynice | Electron

<div>Abraham de Winter is one of the most popular comedians of the late 19th century. He is considered the forerunner of present-day cabaret. During his performances, the ‘character comedian’ dressed up as a street sweeper, conductor or a doctor. Abraham drew inspiration from his former job as a trader of hay during which he worked with local farmers a lot. His satirical performances and his compassion towards the suffering of fellow citizens, made him loved by both the rich and poor.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>Collin van der Sluijs (NL) was inspired by this story and made a mural behind the former city theatre Concordia. The painting features a song thrush. Like Abraham, this bird is known for its imitations. In addition to its own varied songs, the song thrush can mimic 7 other bird species with ease.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

Master Imitator

Mik Mak

Michael Jackson

Damian Poulain

Niels van Holland

Kelsey Montague

<div>Kelsey Montague started her #WhatLiftsYou project 3 years ago. Since then her massive angel wings appear in various cities in North/Central America, Australia and Europe. The work invites people to photograph themselves in front of the wings and share their inspiration through social media with the hashtag #WhatLiftsYou.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>The original coat of arms of Breda also contains angel wings. The angel watches over the shield with the three Andreas crosses. The crosses have long been the logo of the municipality. On July 7, 2017 a new slogan was launched that will be used to promote Breda in the coming years. Kelsey’s work doesn’t just bring the angel wings back to the city, the objective of the mural also fits the slogan ‘Breda brings it together’.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

#WHATSLIFTSYOU

Zoomie

HNRX

<div>The Princenhage area of Breda was known for cultivating fruits and vegetables. The farmers provided food for the city of Breda which were sold at the local auction-hall. Because of the growth of Breda and upcoming mass production of fruits and vegetables in greenhouses a lot of horticulture disappeared and had to make place for residential areas.&nbsp;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>HNRX was inspired by the farmers of Princenhage and brought the fruits back to the place where they once flourished. An intriguing combination of blackberries, cherries, dentures, toothbrushes and matches was the result. HNRX calls his style of work ‘COMICSURREALISME’ and we couldn’t come up with a better word for it.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

Farmers from Princenhage 

Noodle inc

Edo Rath

<div>Invited by the owner of ‘Koffiehuis Teun’ Noodle Inc. created a black and white mural titled “Cafe au Lait” in two nights. It depicts the story of two enchanted spoons making a journey through a fluffy landscape with puffy muffins, happy coffee cups, dancing donuts, euphoric tea bags, radiant sugar casters and self-regulating coffee grinders.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;</div><div>The duo Noodle Inc. consists of friends Michael Nolta (NL) and Edo Rath (NL). Their typically colorful and always cheerful work is characterized by clean lines and recurring characters.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2016 -&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

“Cafe au Lait”

Ana Marietta

<div>The river Mark is located opposite the Tramsingel. Our medicine usage has lead to an estimated 140 tons of medicinal waste being dumped in the water every year. Sadly, this also affects the animals that live there. Fish are becoming transgender from contraceptive pill chemicals, and antipsychotics lead to behavioural change.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2017 -&nbsp;</div>

Mutated Fish

"it's hot on the flipside of the fridge"

The steel horse

<div>Presumably in earlier times the white space on the facade of this monument contained an advertisement. Research in the city archives yielded no evidence about what the ad or period in which it was visible. Also the neighbors Meeuwsen Aquariums -looking at this wall for more than 35 years- had no clue about the content of the mysterious white space.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;</div><div>In recent decades the building has functioned as a bakery, tobacconist and smart shop. From the late 90s, it’s a residence. Recently it has been completely restored. Until then artist Michael Nolta lived in the property. His studio was located on the ground floor. The current window decoration is a relic from that time. Under the NOL pseudonym he creates murals. After having painted his blue creatures in many cities round the globe it was obvious to have NOL paint this mural.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2016 -<br><br></div>

From bakery to art studio

<div>Hedof has made several murals for the Blind Walls Gallery. The painting at the Markendaalseweg was his first project for Blind Walls Gallery.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2013 -&nbsp;</div>

<div>“If wishes were horses, beggars would ride” is an English proverb used to suggest that it’s useless to wish and that better results will be achieved through action. In this work, the word “beggars” is replaced for “refugees”, possibly because of the current refugee problems. The rhyme also refers to the horse stables that were once situated here.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2015 -&nbsp;</div>

"If Wishes were Horses, Refugees would Ride"

<div>Together with Nol Art and Edo Rath, Fin DAC made this Geisha mural named ‘Kokesh’ on the wall of an (also Japanese) sushi restaurant. Fin DAC made this mural in addition to his ‘Hidden Beauty’ series. The colour palette refers to Breda, since the City colours are red and white<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2015 -&nbsp;</div>

Geisha with a local touch

RutgerTermohlen

<div>The mural is inspired by the Sint Joostkapel, located at the Ginnekenstraat. De 15th century chapel is build to honour Sint Joost (Saint Sebastian), the patron saint of plague victims. Residents sought for protection and forgiveness at the church during the plague. It was thought that the Black Death was a punishment from God. The cemetery was located at the location we now know as the parking area Mols. The cemetery was situated outside the city walls, the perfect place to burry the plague victims. After the plague the cemetery was used to burry the poor, orphans, soldiers and suicides.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2014 -&nbsp;</div>

"Ring around the Rosie"

Anti Held

<div>The nightlife of Breda, with this mural Anti-held reflects on the nightlife in this narrow alley.<br>&lt;BR&gt;&nbsp;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2015 -&nbsp;</div>

The nightlife of Breda

Daniel van de Haterd

<div>Like the other three artists who worked at the Potkanstraat, Daniel van de Haterd used his skills in order to artistically upgrade this street.</div><div>His wall is taken over by an octopus. It’s a reference to water and the harbor that’s nearby.<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>&lt;BR&gt;<br>- Blind Walls Gallery | 2015 -&nbsp;<br><br></div>

Artworks in Breda