The fourth mural in the spirit of the painter Monet in Zaandam attracts a lot of attention, many people walk past it to and from the supermarket. Everyone speaks with praise about this work of art on Prinsenstraat by the Polish artists Maciej Gadek and Piotr Baczynski. “Very nice. I hope it stays that way and that it doesn’t get scratched over,” says a passer-by.
The French painter Claude Monet spent three months in the Zaan region in 1871 and painted no less than 25 works. Maciej and Piotr (who prefer to be called BC-Esobe) want to paint the entire Zaanse oeuvre on walls. They are supported in this by the ‘Monet in Zaandam’ foundation, which sees it as a beautiful walking route when it is finished. And they receive concrete help from Simone Ronchetti, also from the foundation, but mainly active in the neighbourhoods. Because every project, every wall, must be supported by the residents.
Donations
Via a fundraiser money is currently being raised for a fifth Monet. Resident Marije Bouter would love to have a Monet on the wall of her corner house on the Jonge Arnoldusstraat. “I’ve seen the others and I’m thrilled. Together with Simone and Piotr I’ve already selected a painting. I can’t wait!”
Mary has to be patient a little longer. About 750 euros is needed for the fifth mural. The paint is budgeted at about 3000 euros. When half of this, 1500 euros, is donated, the municipality of Zaanstreek will add the other half.
Maciej has been a great admirer of Monet for many years. According to him, this is a unique project in the field of street art. “It has never happened anywhere that such a large theme is being worked on. They are always separate murals.”
He and Piotr have already made four murals and are becoming quite familiar with the DNA of the French painter. Maciej: “Especially with Piotr, who does most of the painting, it’s already in his blood.”
Today’s mural is a special gift for Simone. Maciej: “Because she supports us in a great way and helps us to make the paintings.”