Copy Garden

In 2011, artists Monique Benthin and Rick Messemaker brought a touch of nature back into the city with the art project Copy Garden. Commissioned by Bureau Binnenstad, Mothership realized a trompe-l’oeil artwork on Gaffelstraat (corner of Sint-Mariastraat) that visually “copied” a section of a nearby park.

A large photo wall featured a life-sized image of a garden with trees, shrubs, and a walking path. At the base of the wall, a real planting bed was created using the same vegetation found in the original park. Together, they created the illusion that you could step straight into the park — a surprising green oasis in the heart of the city.

The artwork responds to trends such as urban farming, guerrilla gardening, and green rooftops, offering a light-hearted yet poetic solution for paved urban spaces. Mothership developed the concept, oversaw the participation process, coordinated the project, and was responsible for its execution.