"REFLECTING DIVERSITY" – A visual translation of the diversity of the Dutch population by the studio mo man tai

Approximately one in four residents of the Netherlands has (partial) roots outside the country, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). At the same time, 72.1 percent of residents have both parents who were born in the Netherlands. This balance and the "richness" of diversity form the starting point for the new installation "REFLECTING DIVERSENESS" by Studio mo man tai – an artwork that translates socio-political statistics into an original and visual spectacle of light and reflection(s).

In an imposing, theatrically lit room lies a field of over 8,800 handmade flowers, crafted from leftover acrylic mirror material. Each type of flower represents a group of people living in the Netherlands: together they form a colorful landscape that reflects the diversity of the Dutch population.

The installation is based on current CBS data on the composition of the Dutch population in December 2024. The larger groups, relatively speaking, come from Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia, Suriname, and EU countries such as Poland, Germany, and Belgium. The majority of the population—72.1 percent of whom have both parents born in the Netherlands—forms the base of the meadow. Other flower species bloom among them, and together they create a balanced and rich whole.

Visitors enter a room filled with colors and reflections, tens of thousands of reflections created by more than 8,800 flowers and mirror fragments. Visitors usually take photos or selfies first, before discovering that behind the visual spectacle lies a second layer: a kind of confrontation with statistical reality and an invitation to conversation.

Studio mo man tai believes that this new, almost poetic way of presenting data stimulates conversations, awakens curiosity, and gives new meaning to topics such as diversity, coexistence, and change.

The installation consists entirely of leftover material – small pieces of acrylic mirrors that would otherwise end up as waste. Through skillful laser cutting, precise arrangement, and manual assembly, these fragments are transformed into unique floral forms. Placed together in a field and carefully illuminated, they create a dynamic interplay of light and reflection.

The label mo man tai is known for its colorful design products and explores socio-political themes each year during Dutch Design Week through self-initiated installations. These projects provide a space to explore new technologies, materials, and collaborations, always with a positive and accessible approach.

The installation consists of 175 numbered box sets, each containing 50 flowers that accurately represent a statistical cross-section of the Netherlands' population. Following the exhibition, an exclusive number of box sets will be available in the Fenix ​​Museum in Rotterdam and directly from Studio mo man tai . Each set comes with a certificate of authenticity and additional background information.

Exhibition details:

Source: CBS – Residents with a migration background, 2024.
Supporting partners: Pyrasied, BIG impact, Fenix ​​Art Museum and Pennings Foundation

Location: Pennings Foundation, Geldropseweg 63, 5611 SE Eindhoven

Opening: Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

During Dutch Design Week: October 18–26, 2025.
On display until: November 22, 2025.

Exhibitions as part of Dutch Design Week

During Dutch Design Week (October 18–26, 2025), you can also find exhibits from the design studio at the following locations:

Quilted Mirror Objects – Kazerne – Home of Design, Paradijslaan 8, 5611 KN – DDW map No. E14

Inspired by traditional quilting techniques, the Quilted Mirror Objects form, color, and reflections to create remarkable furnishings. The collection transforms leftover acrylic mirror material into graphic compositions, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection and reuse.

Beren Op De Weg – In front of Domus Dela and Sectie-C, Daalakkersweg 2, 5641JA – DDW map N0. H16

In these uncertain and chaotic times, there is a growing need for reassurance, for uncomplicated and friendly concepts… for “lightness” (and fun). What if anti-terror barriers could be transformed into attractive, inviting objects?

About the studio mo man tai

[mó, man, tai] (Cantonese) means ,no problem' and is the design label and studio of Ulrike Jurklies and Paul BasBoth designers share a passion for color, materials, and texture, as well as the search for new, creative, and sustainable solutions. They love to.. "to get one's hands dirty" and to see how a design evolves. Telling visual stories is her passion:

It is very enriching to emotionally touch the viewer with topics that we consider or can consider important due to their relevance.”

@mo.man.tai
@studio.mo.man.tai
Web: www.momantai-design.com