Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is celebrating its 110th anniversary with an impressive mural by Mick La Rock. The mural has a size of no less than 10 x 30 meters and was festively inaugurated in the presence of the artist. Also on display at the Erasmus Gallery from now on is her solo exhibition "Brutal," featuring recent and autonomous works.
From the early developments of the University on Woudestein, the EUR aims to create a special environment. Since the beginning art plays an important role. That is visible in the level and the wide variety of works of art that can be seen in the buildings and the outdoor areas of the University. The artworks together form the art collection EUR.
From traditional to abstract
Mick La Rock (Aileen Middel, 1970) is one of Europe's first and best known female artists in the graffiti world. In the pioneering days of hip-hop, when graffiti, rap music and breakdance from New York City conquered the streets of Europe, she started writing her nickname MICKEY at the age of 13, passionately.
During the 90s - 00s she worked and lived both in Amsterdam and New York, where she became part of the New York graffiti scene and collaborated with some of the most famous graffiti artists (such as Blade, Lady Pink, Dondi, Futura, and Lee Quiñones).
Her graffiti art evolved from traditional to abstract, influenced by the raw concrete of utopian brutalist architecture from the second half of the last century and typography from the same period. Intrigued by the question, "What does a letter do when it no longer needs to be read?," she alienates the elements of her old graffiti name into abstraction, away from their original essence and composition.
Art as a bridge between social groups
Prof.dr. Pauwke Berkers, professor Sociology of Popular Music: "Walls are primarily used to demarcate boundaries: between public and private space, between people. Art can function as a bridge between social groups and break down (metaphorical) walls. Street art fosters the engagement with space and the people within it."
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At Erasmus University Rotterdam, art can be found in many places and take many different forms. Read more about art and the art collection here.
