De Omgeving van de Mens

In the heart of Rotterdam, at Nieuwe Binnenweg 125, a poetic tribute to city hero Jules Deelder has shone since 2011: “De omgeving van de mens is de medemens.” This poignant line, rendered in blue neon, was commissioned by Rabobank Rotterdam and the Municipality of Rotterdam. Mothership served as producer for the project.

The artwork is more than just a light installation; it serves as a symbolic beacon in the city, located close to Deelder’s former home. Especially at night, the neon reveals its full power — like a modern lighthouse, it underscores the theme of human connection. It stands as a visual ode to the human scale within the urban environment — a value that lies at the heart of much of Mothership’s work.

The artwork was unveiled on November 1, 2011, by Jules Deelder himself — at the time not only a poet but also Rotterdam’s self-proclaimed “night mayor.” Mothership advised on the artistic concept, coordinated the project, and oversaw its execution.