Ontmoet de kunstenaar

“I’m Joseph Segaran, a British-Sri Lankan artist. I studied Fine Art in Newcastle, where I specialised in printmaking. In 2006, I moved to Amsterdam and immediately fell in love with its architecture. I soon began photographing, documenting, and drawing buildings, inspired by both their forms and the stories behind them.”

“I’m particularly drawn to Amsterdam’s canal houses and the graceful way they seem to lean against one another. Their varied façades, perfect proportions, and reflections in the water are endlessly inspiring. But the city has so much more to offer: sixteenth-century townhouses, historic warehouses, elegant theatres and department stores, Amsterdam School architecture, and striking contemporary buildings of glass and steel.”

 

Maup logo

“What fascinates me most is the way old and new coexist so harmoniously in Amsterdam. That perfectly reflects MAUP’s approach: they value the city's historic architecture while fully embracing its contemporary buildings. I was therefore delighted when MAUP asked me to design their new logo, incorporating four of the city's iconic buildings. In many ways, we share the same perspective on architecture. We treat buildings—both old and new—with care and appreciation, always paying close attention to detail, character, history, and craftsmanship.”

“For me, drawing is both a way of seeing and a way of being. I lose myself in the focus, repetition, and rhythm of each line. While the subject of a drawing is important, the act of drawing itself is equally significant. For me, it is a form of meditation and reflection. I always work with fine ink pens, creating highly detailed freehand drawings. Every one of my artworks is entirely handmade, without the use of a computer or Photoshop. As a result, each piece is unique—just like MAUP’s buildings.”