Imagine: Groningen as a parallel universe where artworks in the streets come to life as superheroes…
In June 2025, this becomes reality with the graphic novel Guardians of Grunn. Familiar “faces” like Ultra, Beeld voor de Vishoek, Dreckschnabel, and De Grote Verscheuring take on heroic roles as guardians of the city, but lesser-known sculptures such as the Beaver and Saint Martin also reveal remarkable powers. Together, they form the foundation of a new Groningen superhero universe.
For this graphic novel, we invited ten artists, comic book creators, and writers to view the public art of Groningen from a new perspective — and we invite you to do the same.
This spring, dive into the fantastic world of Groningen’s public artworks.
The Story
Guardians of Grunn is set in a parallel version of the city of Groningen: Grunn. Derek Hinder, the archetype of an eager businessman, discovers that the sculptures scattered throughout the city are a source of extraordinary energy. By channeling this energy, he hopes to compensate for the shortages caused by the closure of the gas fields. “For free,” of course, “for free”…
One by one, the public artworks begin to fade and disappear. Along with them, our shared memories vanish. Hinder believes he has found a clean form of energy but fails to realize the damage he is inflicting on the community. This “clean” energy leaves cracks behind — not just in the city, but in the collective memory and sense of belonging that the sculptures once held for Grunn.
Against the backdrop of a city simmering with growing discontent, some of the sculptures rise up. A revolution unfolds, and these heroes fight to reclaim their rightful place in the city…
Create Your Own Superhero
Create your own superhero and add your hero to the 'Guardians of Grunn' universe! Join the writing contest by crafting a short story featuring your favorite sculpture from Groningen as the main character, or draw or paint your own character and showcase your work during the one-day exhibition at the Guardians of Grunn closing party.
The Collective
Ten comic artists, visual artists, and writers transform public artworks into the main characters of a new graphic novel: Esther van de Bund, Olivier van Eijk, Janneke Hoek, Emy Koopman, Mădălina Mihuțoiu, Guus Møystad, Bart Nijstad, Richard Nobbe, Niek van Ooijen, and Sterric. Together, they explored the public art of Groningen, drawing inspiration from its historical and geographical context, the materials used, and the originally assigned symbolism.
'Guardians of Grunn' is a concept by Nathalie Hartjes, commissioned by Kunstpunt Groningen, and is supported by the Municipality of Groningen, the Mondriaan Fund, the Creative Industries Fund NL, the Groningen Cultural Fund, and the ELJA Fund