First Flight is an art piece of 16 meters for Radboud University in Nijmegen.

It’s about that moment when you’re breaking free from something you’ve been stuck in.

The Radboud invited me to create a mural as part of their growing public art tour on the campus called “Walk of Wonder”.

I got offered the theme ‘Spiegelen’ what can be interpreted als mirroring, reflecting, selfreflecting or comparing yourself to something or someone.

During the concept phase I was reminded how birds over thousands of years, have always been a trigger for self-reflection to humans. The envy and longing for that sense of freedom — to spread your wings and fly away — has long been a powerful metaphor for where we stand, what we’re capable of, and what we might be missing.

When I started drawing, I also thought of Icarus, Leonardo da Vinci, the Wright Brothers and more, whilst creating something that would speak to the city of Nijmegen.

As people pass by the work, they can reflect on whether the feeling of breaking free reminds them of an experience they’ve had — or perhaps this is something they’re still longing for.

The theme is also prevalent in the world we live in today where freedoms and rights are still jeopardised and infringed upon. Sadly, this seems to be growing rather than shrinking.

This artwork hopes to encourage both personal and collective reflection. To consider where we stand — and what we (should) strive for.