Content warning: Nina Valkhoff is a muralist and painter from the Netherlands known for her vibrant, large-scale murals that often depict wildlife, flora, and powerful female figures. Her detailed, expressive works are inspired by her love for nature and her advocacy for
Nina Valkhoff is a muralist and painter from the Netherlands known for her vibrant, large-scale murals that often depict wildlife, flora, and powerful female figures.
Her detailed, expressive works are inspired by her love for nature and her advocacy for animal rights, aiming to create awareness and admiration for biodiversity. Valkhoff’s art combines realism with colorful surrealism, transforming urban spaces around the world. She’s painted murals across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, each work adding her unique vision to public spaces.
“Jade and Moggy” by Nina Valkhoff by in Gent, Belgium.
Nina Valkhoff: This mural is for everyone who needs a hug. It’s called ‘Jade and Moggy’ and it represents the amazing feeling of hugging someone you love, human or animal. Especially in these challenging times this is a feeling most of us crave, and I hope to give a message of hope and love with this mural. We see a sleeping girl with her cat. Is she dreaming, or is what we are seeing a daydream of the cat, who sees tasty little fishes appear? Based on a photo taken by Karin Post of her daughter Jade and their cat Moggy. Made for the Goldmine festival in Gent, organized by Wallin’.
“Stadsnatuur” by Nina Valkhoff in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Did you know that there are foxes in Rotterdam? I did not, and I was so delighted, that I took this opportunity (wall) to tell everyone about the foxes in my city! There are roughly between 30 and 50 of them, hiding for humans, very rarely they are spotted on the streets. They help to keep the population of rats under control and they will never attack humans/kids . The downside is that chickens and rabbits are not safe for a hungry fox.
The Irish mythological story of Étaín! By Nina Valkhoff for DRAWDA festival in Drogheda, Ireland.
Nina Valkhoff: My contribution to the DRAWDA festival in Drogheda, Ireland. This was a special one, I was given the Irish mythological story of Étaín, to make my own visual representation of this complex story. I will not do it justice trying to summarize it here, so I will explain the elements I picked. Étaín was a beautiful woman who got cursed and transformed into a scarlet fly. This is the glowing insect you see in the middle of my painting, a ‘scarlet fly’ with a little twist. In the very end of the story, over a thousand years have passed and Étaín has transformed many times, she flies away with her lover and they are seen as two swans. In my composition I tried to show protection and love, elements that are a part of this story.
What do you think about the murals by Nina Valkhoff?
45 Purrfect Street Art Pieces: A Tribute to Our Cats
The world of street art is a vibrant, ever-evolving canvas that reflects the thoughts, ideas, and aesthetics of diverse cultures around the globe. Among this profusion of creativity, one subject stands out and continues to inspire artists across borders and continents – the cat.
This feline-inspired street art phenomenon is far-reaching, with each corner of the world lending its own unique perspective to the representation of cats in public art. In the bustling cities of Japan, for example, where the cat is considered a symbol of good luck, you might spot murals depicting ‘Maneki-neko’ or the ‘beckoning cat’, a common Japanese talisman believed to bring fortune and prosperity.
Across the Atlantic, in the urban landscapes of New York or Los Angeles, artists portray cats as emblems of the city’s spirit – independent, resourceful, and resilient. These murals often depict cats prowling rooftops or lounging lazily in the sun-drenched corners of the city, much like their human counterparts.
The styles in this collection range from super realistic to bold and colorful. Each piece tells its own story, celebrating how much people love cats. This collection is full of surprises and purr-sonality!
More Cats:https://streetartutopia.com/2021/05/29/cat-street-artist-nm-in-flensburg-germanyMore AMAZING graffiti, murals and street art: http://streetartutopi...
Content warning: HERA, a German street artist, has made a name for herself with murals that blend fine art and graffiti. After stepping away from HERAKUT, she now works independently, creating large-scale art that often features humans and animals in dreamlike, emotional
HERA, a German street artist, has made a name for herself with murals that blend fine art and graffiti.
After stepping away from HERAKUT, she now works independently, creating large-scale art that often features humans and animals in dreamlike, emotional scenes. HERA’s style mixes detailed brushwork with the raw energy of street art, inviting viewers to connect with the deep stories her work tells. She continues to inspire with her unique, heartfelt murals found in cities around the world.
HERA about Wild Child: Choosing a stray cat as the hero of a piece of public art is my way of attempting a balance between the existing monuments of some pompous monarchs or war generals and the real inhabitants of a place. I want the little ones, the real ones, the actual souls of the streets to be recognized. I want to pay homage to the ones who surely have fought through their fair share of struggles, and have their scars to prove it, but chose to for the most days just quietly exists, mind their business and remind us to enjoy even the uneventful days.
By HERA in Vincennes, France for Le Point Millepages.
Translation of the murals text: The children asked the fox how to escape from everyday life. He answers “it’s easy, all you need is to open a book”
By HERA in Karlstad, Sweden for Karlstad Street Art curated by Huderrederre.
HERA: Because I work when I freestyle i came to the wall without a sketch and spend my time listening to what locals said about Karlstad. Every detail of this artwork was inspired by some info I came across at the spot, but also its overall theme about hospitality.
The words on the upper left side read “Sola i Karlstad” which was the nickname of one particularly friendly tavern waitress and innkeeper in the city back in the 18th century; Eva Lisa Holtz. I think it’s absolutely amazing that the city even has a statue for her. How many cities in the world can say that they consider a sunny disposition and kindness as monument-worthy traits? I just love that!
So, that and the fact that being a good host is a ton of effort, I felt like I should dedicate this mural art to everyone who uses their time on earth to nurture others. And to unite others, no matter how far apart they usually sit.
By HERA in Aschaffenburg, Germany for Stadtbau Aschaffenburg.
Explore More of HERA’s Work on Instagram
Want to see more of HERA’s stunning murals and creative process? Follow her on Instagram at @hera_herakut to dive deeper into her world of art. From new projects to behind-the-scenes glimpses, her feed is a journey through her evolving solo work. Stay connected to see where her imagination takes her next!
What do you think about the murals by HERA? Do you have a favorite?
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A pet portrait painting of my cat Olivia. Acrylics on 16x20 canvas, finished a few days ago. This is a memorial painting; she passed away in 2018 from complications from bone cancer. I miss her so much every single day. I could not bring myself to do her portrait sooner, and it was a difficult one for me to complete.