ONUR is originally from Switzerland and has Turkish roots. He lives and works in Berlin. In addition to smaller formats in oil, the artist continues to create large murals, which ONUR has made known worldwide. His works can be seen in Europe, the United States and around the world. The murals stand out with a look that can be seen from afar. The central theme of these expressive works lies outside: from environmental disasters to climate crises – the images are poignant and always retain their connection with the viewer.
Kenneth Letsoin, a.k.a. Naamloozz, was born in 1972 in Almelo. He studied art in Enschede, but this education offered him little starting point. He decided to follow his own path. The street became his teacher. In 2017, he moved to Rotterdam. Kenneth mainly makes street art (murals, waste installations, cut-out advertising posters), but he also creates works of art in his studio. His work reflects his environment in his unique way. Colours, people, animals, the street noise, architecture, everything can be a source of inspiration. His art is abstract, expressive and full of energy and colour.
Museum de Fundatie is one of the most important museums in the East of the Netherlands. It shows creators from various disciplines and backgrounds, identifies new talent and works closely with various programmes in Zwolle. The museum programmes internationally and at the same time is deeply anchored in Overijssel. Museum de Fundatie is open to everyone and offers a varied programme, from ancient to contemporary art and design.
Changing exhibitions and presentations from the collection can be seen at two locations: Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle and Kasteel het Nijenhuis, with sculpture garden, in Heino/Wijhe. From this autumn, passers-by will be treated to colourful murals by ONUR and Kenneth Letsoin (a.k.a. Naamloozz), covering more than 1,000 m2 in total.
In Zwolle, Museum de Fundatie and Museum Murals can go the extra mile through a generous contribution made available by the province of Overijssel to the municipality of Zwolle on the completion of two tunnels at the Hessenweg. This will allow two murals of 475 m2 and 650 m2 to be created this summer. The murals are inspired by the collection of Museum de Fundatie. A selection committee of local residents, passers-by, entrepreneurs and art professionals chose ONUR and Kenneth Letsoin from a shortlist.
“We are extremely happy that ONUR and Kenneth Letsoin are going to create murals inspired by our collection. This will help us make our museum even more accessible to everyone from Zwolle and the surrounding area. Industry and nature are already coming together in the tunnels at the Hessenpoort – now we are adding an extra layer in the form of a work of art."
Beatrice von Bormann, Managing Director of Museum de Fundatie