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Greetings from Amsterdam: Lars Bogaers alias Snars
With his striking artist name Snars, Lars Bogaers (Letsoin) has created a place of his own in the world of art, graphic design and dance. From Amsterdam he combines his Moluccan roots with a passion for hip-hop and street culture. Lars is no stranger to Museum Maluku: he designed the graphic concept for the vodcast Unboxing – Uitgepakte verhalen, giving the series an identity entirely of its own. In this interview he talks about his sources of inspiration, his journey as an artist and dancer and his plans for the future.
From street culture to art school
Lars began his creative journey in 2006, when he first came into contact with breakdance. "I danced a lot at home and so I was put into classes. My dance teacher saw that I always had a black notebook with me, full of drawings. He encouraged me to develop that passion further. 'Go and do those things on the street too,' he said. That is how my creative process began, from sketchbook to wall." His artist name 'Snars' also came about during the breakdance classes. "That name was given to me by someone in my dance group who 'didn't understand a snars' of what I was doing," Lars says, laughing. Later he trained as a graphic designer at the Willem de Kooning Academy, where he gained the tools to develop his unique style further.
Lars working on a 40-metre-long mural in Huizen on the theme of 'Birds of paradise'. He painted various birds found in the Moluccan islands. The concept of the project was that the birds of paradise arrive in the Netherlands and then spread their wings again here.
The strength of calm and simplicity
Lars describes his style as minimalist and inspired by the calm of the Moluccan islands. "I want my art to radiate the same calm you find in the Moluccas, where time plays no part and everything comes of its own accord. A recurring element in my work is the koeskoes, a sacred Alifuru creature. I always give the animal an abstract form, so that it stays recognisable but also unique." Lars draws inspiration from greats such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. "Their simplicity and political messages have had a great influence on me. I try to work that into my own work too."
Kites designed by Lars for The New Originals ft. Masohi, a project to encourage hidden talents within the Moluccan communities to make themselves heard. The kites were sold in The New Originals shop in Amsterdam.
A unique identity for the vodcast *Unboxing
For Museum Maluku, Lars designed the graphic concept of the vodcast Unboxing – Uitgepakte verhalen. "My idea was to put the objects at the centre, because they represent our culture," he explains. "I designed a logo in which a palm tree forms the letter U of 'Unboxing'. For each episode I give that U a unique identity, such as someone eating papeda or wearing a bomber jacket."
Working on Unboxing also brought Lars into conversation with the people around him. "For every object that came up for the vodcast I started doing research and asking questions in my own circle – of my mother or of friends around me. How do certain things actually work? It led to conversations I would not otherwise have had, and I discovered new things about my own culture. The project was close to me and I am glad Museum Maluku asked me to do my bit for it."
The various logos for the vodcast Unboxing – Uitgepakte verhalen.
Plans for the future: big dreams and a webshop
Lars looks to the future full of ambition. "I am working on a webshop and am busy with new projects, such as ceramics and 3D-printed sculptures. Ultimately I dream of a large exhibition showing art objects that highlight our Moluccan culture." Follow Lars on Instagram at @snars_nl to be the first to hear about his newest projects and adventures.
Lars with his most recent mural at the hospitality venue Pinuku in Amsterdam.
Now on view: RE:CAST – Reflecting on slavery and colonialism in Maluku
In this exhibition, five talented young Moluccan artists of the third and fourth generation turn their attention to the story of slavery in the Moluccan archipelago, which until now has often been overlooked.
Stream our vodcast 'Unboxing – Uitgepakte verhalen'
Generations from Moluccan communities come together to bring the boxes down from the attic and open them, sharing their stories, rituals and traditions.
