‘Your own artwork hung in the KOG? Not many students can say that’
A design created by student Jill Stoelinga has won our 450 mural competition! From May 12, you can help us paint the artwork. Read on to learn all about what the painting represents and how you can help.
To mark our faculty’s 450th anniversary, staff and students were invited to design their own drawing or painting for an artwork at the KOG. The art competition fits in seamlessly with the principle that the anniversary celebrations are organised for and by our staff and students. By using the 'painting by numbers' method, everyone can easily help out with the painting. All materials needed for the painting have been sponsored by our partner Van Kruistum Vastgoed. So, we've been able to organise this anniversary event in a way that's not only creative, but also budget-friendly.
Out of all the entries, the design by Law student Jill Stoelinga has been chosen to grace the wall of the KOG’s A-corridor on the ground floor (opposite the study associations’ offices and next to the JuCa).
Can you tell us a bit about your design?
There are various elements, each representing a certain aspect of the faculty. For example, there’s the Leiden keys, a characteristic windmill and the stork of The Hague – all symbols that emphasise out faculty’s links with both Leiden and The Hague. A piggy bank with falling money and Lady Justice represent the economics and law programmes taught at the faculty. The university and 450 logo are also included to highlight the special anniversary of both the university and Leiden Law School. In the background, you can see the Kamerlingh Onnes Building. All these elements are connected by sticky notes, which symbolise a detective wall and the Criminology programme. In this way, I’ve tried to bring together all the features of the faculty in my design.
Van Kruistum
The canvas and painting materials to produce Jill’s artwork have been sponsored by Van Kruistum Vastgoedzorg. ‘We’re delighted to be a part of this’, says Kirsten van Kruistum who owns the building maintenance business. ‘Whether you’re studying at a university or a painter, both worlds come together beautifully to produce this artistic image.’
Two years ago, Van Kruistum took over the business from her father and since then they have worked on many projects at Leiden University and Leiden Law School. 'Last year, we carried out painting work in the Lorentz Lecture Hall. It was a a huge, but very rewarding project.' Van Kruistum likes Jill's artwork: 'I think it's a beautiful and well-thought-out design. Especially with all the different colours and the creative way it’s painted.'
Did you have a specific message in mind?
In the painting you can see rainbows. These not only add a bit of colour, they also symbolise inclusivity and acceptance. The university and faculty do pay attention to these themes, but I think a bit more can be done. It’s important to show that everyone can be themselves here and are accepted.
Why did you decide to take part in the competition?
Being creative is one of my hobbies. I love to paint, draw and create designs. For instance, I'm currently creating designs for T-shirts. When I saw the call for the painting competition a few months ago, I started straight away.
I sent in my design thinking, ‘we’ll just see what happens’. I really hadn’t expected to win at all. When I heard the news, I called my mum and her partner straight away. They’d been a huge help in improving my design and I wanted to share my good news with them.
The mural will be unveiled at the Lawlands Festival on 19 June. Are you looking forward to that?
I can’t wait to share my design with everyone. For the unveiling, I also hope to bring a few friends from home — that would make it extra special.
I think it’ll great fun, and I'm especially curious about everyone's reactions! All in all, I think it's really cool to have this opportunity. Not many students can say their own work of art is gracing a wall in the KOG. Probably no one!
'Painting by numbers'
Jill's design will be created using the 'painting by numbers' method. Everyone will be able to paint part of the artwork. In the week of 12 May, there will be three different walk-in moments when you can come along and contribute to the painting.
These times will take place in the KOG restaurant and you can just drop by. So, you don't have to sign up for anything. What’s more, everyone’s welcome! You can help with painting on:
- Monday 12 May, 13.30-16.00
- Thursday 15 May, 12.00-16.00
- Friday 16 May, 12.00-15.00
