8 Dutch Artists Transform Canal House for Converse Clash Wall Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the latest backdrop for the Converse Clash Wall series, which have taken place in cities across the globe. But unlike the others, this one is locally unique as it embodies not only the history of the city by taking over a traditional 17th century canal house to create an unprecedented piece of art. It also embraces the Dutch ideology of leaving their windows open and allowing the outside in and the inside out.

Clash Wall Amsterdam took over five floors transformed by eight Dutch artists – Does, Onno Poiesz, Rutger Termohlen, Sober Industries, Karski, Telmo Miel, Zedz and Zender - in nine days to create an ultimate collaboration – a “clash” of styles – that runs throughout the entirety of the building. The the first of its kind in the Clash Wall series, the project combined their personal style and ideas with that of Converse fans from around the world — uniting the artists and their fans via the brand’s Twitter page through inspirational tweets, conceptually working together in a new and refreshing way.

With the use of multiple artistic methods and materials, the artists managed to seamlessly connect each floor of this five-storey house, uniting their distinctive styles. By clashing this historic house, this project also touched upon a very Dutch practice of keeping their windows open. A tradition that dates back to the late 16th -17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, windows were kept open – curtains ever never closed –  while sailors were out at sea so their wives couldn’t cheat on them. The idea has long evolved from cheating to that of sharing, and in a culture where being normal is considered “crazy enough,” the home is the only place where the Dutch can truly express themselves. Allowing these artists to work in such a space with the windows uncovered recognizes a very special form of domestic exhibitionism that each resident of this country understands and shares. They’ve taken something that many would consider private – the inside of a residence – and made it public, transforming it into more than just a home, but a work of art and an unique experience for the public to enjoy.