Large mural for House of Connections at the Grote Markt

Lithuanian artist Kamilė Česnavičiūte has made a mural at the brand-new UG House of Connections, which is part of the Groot Handelshuis at the Grote Markt. The artwork can be found on the right wall of the staircase to the first floor, which also leads to the LaPlace restaurant. In line with the House of Connections vision, the artwork focuses on the concrete connection between science and society.

The artist Česnavičiūte was commissioned after she and two other artists submitted sketches to the art committee, which includes UG Rector Magnificus Cisca Wijmenga. Česnavičiūte: ‘The assignment appealed to me because it is about the ways in which the University is seeking connection with society. The mural illustrates my interpretation of this endeavour.’

House of connections

The House of Connections will function as a home base for the UG's four new Schools for Science and Society as well as the University of the North (UvhN) partnership, among others. Within these schools and the University of the North, researchers will tackle concrete societal issues, for which they seek collaboration with citizens, governments, and companies. The issues concern energy and climate, sustainable living, digitization and AI, and healthy ageing. Cisca Wijmenga: ‘I don't want to spoil the surprise, but the mural emphasizes the power of thinking and working together, and it shows that you shouldn't be afraid to try new things. It perfectly fits the contemporary, urban appearance of the building.

A series of murals

This mural is the third of a series that was commissioned by the University of Groningen to visualize the connection between the city of Groningen, the University, and science. Several artists are bringing form to the murals in a contemporary way. The first mural portrayed Aletta Jacobs and can be seen on the outer wall of the University Library. The second mural, which is close to the entrance of the University Museum, visualizes the work of astronomer Jacobus Cornelius Kapteyn.

Kunstpunt Groningen has assisted with the art projects.