Approximately one in four Dutch residents has (partial) roots outside the country, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS) . At the same time, 72.1 percent of residents have both parents born in the Netherlands. This balance and the "richness" of diversity form the starting point for the new installation "REFLECTING DIVERSENESS" by the studio mo man tai – an artwork that translates sociopolitical 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.
(c) Studio mo man tai
The installation is based on current CBS data on the composition of the Dutch population in December 2024. Relatively speaking, the larger groups 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 between them, creating 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, arouses curiosity, and gives new meaning to topics such as diversity, coexistence, and change.
(c) Studio mo man tai
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 through self-initiated installations every year during Dutch Design Week . These projects provide space to explore new technologies, materials, and collaborations, always with a positive and accessible approach.
(c) Studio mo man tai
The installation consists of 175 numbered box sets, each containing 50 flowers that accurately represent the statistical cross-section of the Dutch population. Following the exhibition, an exclusive number of box sets will be available in the museum shop of the Fenix Museum in Rotterdam and directly from Studio mo man tai . Each set comes with a certificate of authenticity and additional background information.
(c) Studio mo man tai
Details about the exhibition:
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: 18–26 October 2025
Exhibited until: 22 November 2025
Exhibitions as part of Dutch Design Week
During Dutch Design Week (October 18–26, 2025), you will 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 the Domus Dela and Sectie-C, Daalakkersweg 2, 5641JA – DDW map N0. H16
In these uncertain and chaotic times, there's a growing need for reassurance, for uncomplicated and friendly concepts... for "lightness" (and fun). What if anti-terror obstacles 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 colors, materials and haptics, as well as the search for new, creative and sustainable solutions. They love to “to get your hands dirty” and seeing how a design evolves. Telling visual stories is her passion:It is very enriching to touch the viewer emotionally with topics that we consider or can be significant due to their relevance."
@mo.man.tai
@studio.mo.man.tai
Web: www.momantai-design.com
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Publisher, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of studies in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
