A first for ByNatalia Jewelry, our design company Nomad Tinker House collaborated with the Republic of Amsterdam Radio - a Dutch storytelling collective of self-proclaimed ‘history nerds’ to create our first large scale architectural light art work for the Amsterdam Light Festival.

The theme for the 2019 edition is ‘DISRUPT’ and ‘Hiding in the Wolf’s Lair’ is a site-specific installation at the ARTIS zoo based on what we believe to be the most disruptive event in Amsterdam's history: the Second World War.

Anne Frank wasn't the only one hiding, thousands of people hid all over the city. Even ARTIS, the zoo, hid 250-300 people during the war. They were never found thanks to the skill and wisdom of Zoo Director Armand Louis Jean Sunier. 'Hiding in the Wolf's Lair' honors the onderduikers (literally "those that dove under") and reminds us of the disruptive consequences of fearing our fellow man. Honoring history, and a poignant reminder for the wolves that roam amongst us today.

To create this piece we were lucky to interview Maarten Frankenhuis who wrote the book “Overleven in de dierentuin” (Survival in the Zoo) that details the people who hid in the zoo. Have a listen to his fascinating story on the History of the Netherlands podcast, including how he himself hid as a young boy during the occupation.