The idea for this Blind Wall originated from an initiative by residents of the Heuvel neighbourhood. Initiator and resident Peter van der List has been involved in this Blind Wall from the beginning: “The neighbourhood has reacted very enthusiastically; it wasn't difficult to get the community on board for this project. I think the two murals have turned out very beautifully, it fits so well in the green square.”

Photos: Floris Oosterveld and Rosa Meininger

The Blind Wall is located in the Heuvel neighbourhood. This district is one of the first post-war neighbourhoods in Breda. During the reconstruction, the neighbourhood was designed by two architects: Marinus Jan Granpré Molière and Fritz Peutz.

The Blind Wall was created through a collaboration between the neighbourhood and Blind Walls Gallery. "I got in touch with Blind Walls Gallery because I thought it would be nice to do something with the walls on Planciusplein," says Peter. "Together we came up with the idea inspired by the two architects."

Peutz preferred modern building methods: he utilised new construction materials such as concrete, glass, and steel. His district was structurally and systematically organised, in contrast to the part designed by Molière: he created small neighbourhoods with green spaces around the core and added finer decorations to houses.

The contrasts between the two architects inspire this Blind Wall. The two façades are perfect to demonstrate the conflict and contrast. The artistic duo chose two women: an introverted woman and an extroverted woman. "These women represent tradition and innovation," say María and Javier from Reskate. "Without tradition, you cannot modernise. We kept the interpretation of the mural quite open, allowing people to give it their own meaning."

A milestone for the Spanish artist duo, as this is their first mural in the Netherlands. "We started by recycling skateboards, hence our name: Reskate. After that, we began creating murals all over the world, really cool," the artist duo explains. "We are honoured to have designed the 100th Blind Wall and to donate it to this neighbourhood in Breda."

“The great thing about our work is that we always feel like we’re part of the residents of a city. We now also cycle to our 'work', truly Dutch! We are already receiving very nice reactions from the neighbourhood. In other countries, the usual question is 'Why are you doing this?'. Because there are now 100 Blind Walls in Breda, it has become a normal thing here, people show interest, and we even get offered coffee by the residents. So sweet!”

María and Javier need ten days to create the two murals. "First, we make a grid  with squares. We have to measure very precisely, otherwise it won't work out. Then we start with the chalk sketch. Once that's on, we quickly put on the first layer of paint. If it starts to rain, the sketch will completely disappear. An exciting process, but it usually turns out well. After that, the mural still needs two more layers."

"For us, it's the first time we're working with just one colour, which is actually quite special. The yellow colour fits very well in the surroundings and on this green square. As a tribute to the architects, we're leaving parts of the brick wall visible," say the artist duo.

The artist duo is using special paint for this mural. "It's the second time we're working with this Graphenstone paint, but we believe this is truly the future. The paint is sustainable: it stays on for more than 10 years and during the drying process, the paint absorbs CO2 from the air. In a way, the paint functions just like a tree. And the air becomes cleaner as a result."

Since 2015, Blind Walls Gallery has been inviting national and international artists who are inspired by stories and history of Breda. You can explore the Blind Walls on foot or by bike yourself, or you can also book a guided tour with a guide who will provide more information about the Blind Walls.