Hedy Tjin’s “Universal Color” adorns the walls of the Stedelijk

The installation *Universal Color* transforms the walking paths near the famous staircase at the Stedelijk Museum into a powerful statement of solidarity. Hedy Tjin was invited by curator Thomas Castro to participate in the sixth edition of the Post, No, Bills project, in which graphic artists reflect on the current zeitgeist. While many people are concerned about the growing coldness in society, Tjin takes a different approach. She deliberately sought to highlight the positive aspects of connection, such as the moments when city residents come together in joy, shared grief, or collective protest. As a result, the murals offer a cheerful and hopeful contrast to the sometimes grim world around us.

Tjin did not create these nine murals on her own. She was assisted by Cheraine Baljé and Miquel Held, who helped bring her vision to life on the museum’s walls. The collaboration with the museum is part of Thomas Castro’s concept, in which he invites a different artist each year to decorate the hallways. For visitors walking through the museum, the works offer a moment of reflection on how we, as people, interact with one another in a changing environment. The project is now on view and will remain in place for an extended period, as the paintings will adorn the walls until the summer of 2026.

The murals transform the hallways surrounding the Stedelijk’s historic staircase into a colorful celebration of connection.

The visual style of the murals is familiar to anyone who knows Tjin’s work. She uses a graphic style that gives the hallways surrounding the historic staircase a fresh, vibrant look. The murals explicitly capture moments when people come together. It is a celebration of the openness and creativity she loves so much about the city. By placing these images in a prominent spot in the museum, she compels passersby to pause for a moment and reflect on themes such as solidarity. The murals transform the corridors surrounding the Stedelijk’s historic staircase into a colorful celebration of connection.

This location was chosen deliberately, as it is the route that many museum visitors take every day. Tjin’s work thus serves as a constant reminder of the power of diversity and human connection. In an era of growing individualism, this project offers a much-needed counterbalance. For visitors, it is a colorful experience that addresses major social themes in an accessible way and invites conversation in an environment familiar to the public.