Space for art
… in the streets
05/03/2024
“You must communicate very clearly with the owner or the client: what is a realistic end result? Because, of course, you’re talking about an outdoor work of art,” explains Lydia Beerkens about restoring a mural by Keith Haring. QKunst supervised this restoration. Our video series #SpaceForArt is an introduction to the projects of QKunst and to its community. Because what does that actually mean: space for art? After each episode we offer a behind-the-scenes look, this time: art in the streets.
QKunst’s role in art in the streets
In 2021, QKunst supervised the restoration of Keith Haring’s mural on the former Koelhuis (‘cold store’) in Amsterdam. Haring painted the mythical animal in 1986 during his solo exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, but eight years later it disappeared behind a metal facade. When the mural was rediscovered in 2018, experts determined that restoration was necessary to preserve the work into the future. QKunst created a restoration plan and supervised the project. At present, the work has been on display in its former glory for three years already, and the building with the mural has even been recognised as a monument.
An important part of the supervision of this restoration was bringing together all the different stakeholders to undertake various steps: the client, project developers VolkerWessels Vastgoed and Ballast Nedam Development; the municipality of Amsterdam, which owns the land; Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, which originally commissioned the mural; the Keith Haring Foundation, which protects Haring’s legacy; and the international team of restorers.
Vulnerability of street art
Street art in the form of murals is often not created to last. This aspect, combined with their accessible and public nature, makes murals vulnerable. Apart from the impact of weather that can cause unwanted changes and deterioration, or damage from acts of vandalism, street art is particularly vulnerable because is it permanently fixed. Changes in the environment, renovation or demolition pose real threats. Haring, for example, made dozens of works for public spaces, but several of them have since been demolished or are currently under pressure. Fortunately, some murals have also been restored recently, such as in Paris and Pisa.
Haven’t seen the video with Lydia Beerkens and Véronique Baar on the importance of space for art in the streets yet? Watch it here!
