“I Hvnt Tld Hlf of Wht I Sw!”

At Marco Poloplein in Utrecht lies a striking and monumental artwork by Arno Coenen: “I Hvnt Tld Hlf of Wht I Sw!”. This title, reminiscent of a line from an old seafaring tale, perfectly matches the work’s rich visual language. This large-scale mosaic, 11 by 47 meters in size, is built entirely from concrete sidewalk tiles in seventeen colors.

Bursting with symbolism and ornamentation, the mosaic reflects what Arno Coenen is best known for. In his work, he often combines historical motifs with modern iconography. In this design, influences from religious art, pop culture, video games, and architectural decoration merge into an overwhelming composition that feels both familiar and otherworldly.

What makes this project remarkable is its use of everyday materials: paving stones. Normally unnoticed in the urban landscape, they are here elevated to carriers of an artwork you literally walk across. By bringing art into public space in this way, the boundary between daily life and artistic experience is playfully blurred.

The artwork was completed in 2008, initiated by Movares and commissioned by the Municipality of Utrecht. Mothership acted as curator and producer, overseeing the project’s realisation. “I Hvnt Tld Hlf of Wht I Sw!” has since become a local landmark — a vivid example of how art can contribute to the identity and character of the urban environment.