“The Eagle finally flew away into the sunlight. The abandoned school in Purmerend where I created 6 murals has finally been demolished after many delays. Last week, Markus BV sent their best man to also take down the gymnasium, he did this with care and respect. I’m very grateful to them for allowing me to document the entire process up close. Although the murals are gone, the extensive image archive ensures that it is not lost and will live on forever.”
Abandoned School, Eagle, Simbl street-art mural
Abandoned School, Eagle, Simbl street-art mural
Abandoned School, Eagle, Simbl street-art mural
Abandoned School, Eagle, Simbl street-art mural
Abandoned School, Eagle, Simbl street-art mural
Abandoned School, Eagle, Simbl street-art mural
After almost three years of being seemingly trapped in the gymnasium, the demolition finally allowed the 3D painted Eagle to fly into the sunlight. It was a stunning sight to behold, how he sunlight fell onto the mural and by doing so gave the Eagle an even more impressive look.
In an old school building in Purmerend, classes are no longer held. In this previously vacant and now demolished school, Jan Stel (54), not only the photographer you know but also known as Simbl the street-artist, created in total six unique street-art murals. These murals are distinctive due to the use of 3D and anamorphic effects, making the classrooms and gymnasium of the 1970s school an excellent temporary atelier or even a short lived but eye-catching street-art museum in Purmerend.
It was the first time to work in 3D and because I like to work accurately, I immediately set the bar high. Together with Yorkone's 3D letters 'Progress', we made both corners of the walls as a coherent 3D wall. Which made it an even more 3D dynamic and panoramic whole.
About 4 or 5 years ago, I started doing street art again. Back in the '80s and early '90s, I was very active with graffiti, which quickly evolved into full-color murals. However, in the mid-'90s, I left the scene due to dissatisfaction with the prevailing atmosphere. It felt grim and not free enough to paint the way I wanted. There has always been a kind of conflict between graffiti writers, who create quick pieces and tags mainly to leave their names, and street artists, who focus on creating images and are often more oriented toward creative growth and expression. Since my return in 2020, I've been pleasantly surprised by how much street art is now appreciated. Artists now work with spray cans, brushes, and paint markers. The color palettes have expanded significantly with many more suppliers. Nowadays, there is also a strong focus on being as environmentally friendly as possible, which I wholeheartedly support.
I am thankful to Wilco Mannenveld and his team from Markus BV, the demolition and reconstruction company. During the demolition, I was given the opportunity to document this creative phase with dignity. This allowed me to say farewell to the murals to which I devoted all my attention and time. Markus bv Zwanenburg
The stunning 3D letters "Progress" are made by Yorkone. Instagram: @yorkone.art