The Dommel Tunnel on the TU/e campus in Eindhoven has received a significant upgrade by the hands of Studio Giftig, which painted a mural of at least 125 metres across the walls of the tunnel. A serious project, with a humorous touch to it. The mural resembles the Silly Walk, born in a sketch by the legendary Monty Python.

 

On both sides of the tunnel, the man with the original silly legs: John Cleese, is depicted. Cleese is welcoming the people that are about to enter the tunnel. After which the silly walking can begin. Passengers crossing through the tunnel are invited to join the legs on the mural and demonstrate their own walk.

 

Studio Giftig, a collaboration between Niels van Swaemen and Kaspar van Leek, attempts to engage the audience by embarking on their own silly walk throughout the tunnel.  The silly walk seems to cross generations. "You'd be amazed how many students of TU/e are familiar with the walk", says Van Leek.

 

It took the designer duo two weeks to complete the mural. Which drew a huge crowd on the day of its official reveal. Local press took to the event, and people from all over the city came to the tunnel to practice their own silly walks.

 

Author: E52 Bob Munten

Photos: Ruud Balk