Artwork: Jan-van-Gent, 1993

Wood and paint, 140 x 180 cm

Original description:

When the renovated Diakonessenziekenhuis was refurbished in 1993, Jan M. Verburg had already completed several murals, on the orthopaedic outpatient clinic and in the emergency stairwell. For an exterior wall of a boiler room, he painted this bird, a Gannet. It came as a surprise to internist Astrid van Gent, a colleague of Jan's brother, who looked out on the blind wall from her study.

After the demolition of the hospital, the large seabird found a new spot. Right above cafeteria Friet & Zo. Known for its spectacular capers, Jan-van-Gent seems to dive for kibbles or chips at any moment.

Jan Marinus Verburg (Groningen 1949, lives and works in Deventer) trained as a visual artist at the AKI Art Academy in Enschede (1967-1971) after which he worked in several places as a draughtsman, painter and Scenic artist. His brother is former internist Gerrit Verburg, who worked at the then Diakonessenziekenhuis in Breda. Through that, he regularly received commissions from the art committee of this hospital.

Donation: Amphia Breda and BPD Bouwfonds Area Development

The photos were taken by Jeroen van Eijndhoven.