From 4 April to 12 July, the Fries Museum will transform its largest room into a lively, experimental space where interaction and participation are central. The Wall is Yours: graffiti & street art takeover brings together twelve artists selected by the Leeuwarden street art organisation Writer’s Block. Over sixteen weeks, they will create artworks directly on the museum’s walls. Just like graffiti in public spaces, the walls will continually change. Visitors are also encouraged to participate. With this event, the museum opens its doors to a dynamic celebration of creativity, offering plenty of room for experimentation and freedom of expression. A passe-partout ticket costs €17.50 and allows entry for the duration of the exhibition, while visitors aged 25 and under can attend for free.
Graffiti and street art are inherently rebellious and expressive. For this reason, artists DNS, Zabou, Fat Heat, Tuig Oma, David Puck, Asbestos, Woes, Mr. June, DEIH, Lj van Tuinen, NEVERCREW and Naomi King have been given complete artistic freedom within their own areas of expertise. Exactly what they will be showing remains a surprise, even for the museum. What is certain is that six themes will be explored: the origins of graffiti, political stencil art, the graphic dimension of street art, pop culture and comics, (photo)realism and community art. The event also connects with pressing social issues such as democratic freedoms, youth wellbeing, and identity in a confusing world. Curious to know who will be working when? Keep an eye on friesmuseum.nl for updates about the artists and the accompanying programme of activities, which will include block parties, artist talks and workshops.
DNS
The first artists in the series are Romeo, Mega and Etrs, better known as graffiti crew DNS (Daddies Nasty Sons) from Sneek. Their name is a tribute to TAKI 183, widely regarded as the godfather of graffiti in New York. The crew considers him their artistic father figure. DNS has been active for 40 years and is known for its traditional old-school lettering and text-based graffiti. They will launch the event by taking visitors back to the origins of graffiti in the late 1970s, when trains and other surfaces were often illegally spray-painted. The crew will collaborate with a range of writers from the graffiti scene, from early pioneers to a new generation of artists.
Opening party
On Friday evening, 3 April, from 8 p.m. to midnight, the museum will open its doors to the public free of charge (reservation required!). During the opening event, visitors can explore the work of DNS and Co., while enjoying snacks, drinks and DJ sets. Free tickets can be reserved at friesmuseum.nl/tickets. Slieker Film will also present a special film programme. Tickets will be available soon via sliekerfilm.nl.
Local partners
The Wall is Yours was conceived and organised by the Fries Museum in collaboration with Writer's Block from Leeuwarden. Writer’s Block curates and produces a wide range of art in public spaces; thanks to them, Leeuwarden is home to a large number of unique murals. The project also involves several other local partners, including Stadschouwburg De Harmonie, A Guide to Leeuwarden, NHL Stenden, Slieker Film and SKRRT. Keep an eye on the website for more information.