With a bang, the current Covid-19 crisis introduced the general public to the field of microbiology. The profound implications which small scale phenomena (such as a virus) might have on us and our surroundings, became self-evident overnight.

Still, the molecular world can feel rather abstract, since one cannot properly see it with the naked eye. Our intuition for small things generally stops beyond a grain of sand. This graphic design proposal aspires to make this hidden molecular world more accessible to the general public, through the act of zooming in.

The study of small things has a long standing tradition in the Netherlands. Starting with the acclaimed invention of the microscope by Zacharias Janssen around the year 1600. Some 74 years later, the first observations of unicellular organisms are made by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. Fast forward to the year 1949 and Philips Electron Optics is producing the first Transmission Electron Microscope.

In current times, cutting edge Research and Development is still being conducted in Eindhoven by Thermo Fisher Scientific (who have been described as Eindhovens best kept secret). They kindly gave us a tour of their company, which served as the main inspiration to start exploring the microscopic realm.

Our design can be thought of as a playful, artistic exploration of organic shapes and their scales. Freely zooming and morphing between cellular, molecular and atomic worlds. Similar to the renowned Metamorphosis woodcuts by Escher, our graphic elements make a transition into new shapes along the horizontal axis. This ‘panoramic’ setup is especially well suited for a tunnel, since it allows the passersby to take in the work step by step.

Besides a spatial transition, we’re also making transition though time. Similar to shifting focus on a microscope, our coloured lights enable us to shift the focus within different layers of our design, making the graphics come alive. The changes in light will be tranquil (as to not distract cyclists and motorist). One hardly even notices it. However; each time a passerby will return, one sees the artwork ‘in a new light’.

The tunnel at the Welschapsedijk offers a window into the microscopic world; it’s an invitation to imagine it.

Location: Welschapsedijk, Eindhoven

‘FOCUS’ Motion Paintings installation by:
Robin de Kruijff, Daan Brinkmann and Jasper van Es

Camera & edit:
Sander Meulemans – Harmsroad.com

Initiated and coordinated by: Vincent Huibers
Graffiti Agency and Pim Bens – Vlakwerk

Commissioned by: Gemeente Eindhoven

Co-sponsored by:
Thermo Fisher Scientific and Glow Eindhoven

Special thanks: Ruud Jacobs