Email criticizing Anne Frank mural in Amersfoort sent to artist before vandalism

Dutch artist Bas van Oudheusden received a critical email shortly before the vandalism of his Anne Frank mural was discovered, though he is not certain there is a connection. The mural, located on the inside of the sound barrier wall along the A28 highway near landgoed Nimmerdor in Amersfoort, has been on display for 16 years.

In the email, the sender criticized Van Oudheusden for portraying “only Anne Frank while there is also a genocide happening on the other side.” The artist believes the remark may refer to the situation in Gaza.

“That’s a tough accusation,” Van Oudheusden said. “To me, Anne Frank represents all victims of war. And the artwork is already sixteen years old.”

Van Oudheusden painted the mural under his artist name, Repelsteeltje. The piece, visible from inside the sound barrier, prominently featured the face of Anne Frank. According to the artist, the vandal did not randomly deface the wall but specifically targeted and “carefully erased” Anne’s face.

The artist has chosen not to report the incident to the police for now. Instead, he said he hopes to speak directly with the person responsible. “I think it would be great if it’s someone I can have a conversation with,” Van Oudheusden said. “And if we find common ground, maybe we can create something beautiful together.”

He explained that he does not yet know what such a collaboration might look like but noted, “There is more wall next to my work.”

Despite the damage, Van Oudheusden is not planning to repaint the mural in the near future. “If I do that, it could be ruined again in one minute. I don’t want to play that game,” he said. If the work is eventually restored, he is considering applying a protective coating to prevent further vandalism.

The artist emphasized that he is open to dialogue and understanding. “I hope the person who did this will come forward so we can talk,” he said.