| What happens when spray can meets paintbrush? That question takes center stage from March 7, 2026, in the exhibition Urban Blue – from Bricks to Tiles at Royal Delft Museum. In collaboration with STRAAT Museum, six international street artists present their interpretation of the centuries-old craft of Delft Blue. This results in creations that blend tradition, modern art, the expressive energy of street art and the unique signature of each artist. “In November 2025, during the first Artist-in-Residence period, the artists succeeded in translating the rich history of the world-famous Delft Blue into a contemporary urban visual language. They surprised, challenged, and inspired us, bridging tradition and innovation,” says Liz Groen (Manager Museum Collection & Exhibitions).
From black-and-white to blue
Mastering a centuries-old craft in just two weeks is no easy feat—if not impossible. Yet, the six street artists produced astonishing work in such a short time. In November 2025, they arrived in Delft, where they explored the history of Delft Blue, discovered new techniques, explored the city, and studied countless examples. In a temporary studio at the museum, they translated this knowledge and these impressions into their own designs, with guidance from the master painters and tile bakers of Royal Delft. Visitors could watch the process, from the first sketch to the final brushstroke. Each artist developed their own approach, learning from each other along the way. Still, they all faced the same challenge: with Delft Blue, the final result is not immediately visible. The iconic blue color only emerges after firing. While painting tiles and objects, the artists worked in black and gray tones. The final results? They will only see them at the end of February, when they return to Delft.
Past, present and future
With the Urban Blue – from Bricks to Tiles project, Royal Delft Museum brings past, present, and future together. The artists were tasked with a creative translation: from their familiar surface (bricks) to the world-famous ceramic tiles that have played a significant role in Delft Blue for centuries. Originally practical wall coverings, these tiles evolved into decorative and expressive elements of Dutch interiors. Each artist designed a large tile tableau and selected objects from the Royal Delft collection to reinterpret in their own style.
A new world
Six street artists were selected in collaboration with STRAAT, the museum of street art and graffiti in Amsterdam. Claudio Limon (Mexico), Keya Tama (South-Africa) Madi (France), Ryol (Indonesia), Speto (Brazil) en Tja Ling Hu (The Netherlands) were invited to Royal Delft Museum. They threw themselves into their designs with passion. “An interesting challenge,” says Speto. “We had to do everything at once: learn, create, and execute.” Madi finds it very special that through this project she contributes to introducing a new generation to this unique location in Delft. “As young, contemporary artists, we have a very different approach. Everything is new, but based on Delft Blue. In this way, we bring this important heritage into a new world.”
Celebrating craftsmanship
Visitors to Royal Delft Museum encounter the iconic symbol of Dutch cultural heritage in many forms. But it is also a working museum; you walk through the factory and see how the products – handcrafted since 1653 – are made with love, skill, and craftsmanship. With Urban Blue – from Bricks to Tiles, we celebrate craftsmanship in all its forms.
Creating a collaborative mural
The project will reach a new level during the second residency. From February 23 to March 3, Claudio, Keya, Madi, Ryol, Speto, and Tja Ling will create a collaborative mural on the factory’s exterior wall. This will be a striking addition to both the museum and Delft’s streetscape, and hopefully a way to attract as many visitors as possible to this boundary-pushing exhibition.
About Royal Delft Museum
Royal Delft Museum is the museum of Delft Blue and welcomes around 145,000 visitors annually to experience this unique heritage through stories, exhibitions, and immersive experiences. The museum develops cultural and educational programs around ceramics, with particular attention to the rich history and artisanal traditions of De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles. More information: museum.royaldelft.com.
About STRAAT Museum
This project was made possible in collaboration with STRAAT Museum, where visitors explore the dynamic world of street and urban art. The museum brings together work by (inter)national artists and demonstrates how street culture and contemporary art are intertwined. Creativity, innovation, and social themes converge here, offering visitors a fresh perspective on public art. More information: straatmuseum.com.
The project is made possible with support from VSB Fonds, Stichting Zabawas, Gifted Art, Stichting van Achterbergh-Domhof, Gilles Hondius Foundation, and WestCord Hotel Delft. |
