STRAAT Agency x Sportcentrum Pleizier

Who?

Sportcentrum Pleizier is a fitness facility located in Gein on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Known for offering a wide range of health and wellness services, they provide various fitness programs, including group classes, personal training, and sports activities designed to cater to different fitness levels and goals. The center emphasizes a community-oriented approach, aiming to create a supportive and motivating environment for its members. This approach was created initially by founder Henny Pleizier. Henny was a gifted competitive judoka, who also made waves as a trainer. In this way he laid the judo foundation for world class athletes such as Dex and Guillaume Elmont. In 1990 he started his own Sportcentrum Pleizier, where he was the face of the sports center for decades and offered a wide range of dance and (budo) sports lessons to children and adults. Henny Pleizier unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on August 10th, 2022.

Artist

KARSKI is a Dutch street artist known for his vibrant and detailed murals that often incorporate elements of realism, abstraction, and pop culture. Karski aka Roy Valk started his graffiti career in the late eighties and is part of the old school. His work is known for the use of original and vivid color combinations. It contains realistic, graphic and abstract elements often with surprising depth as well as incredible amounts of vitality. Roy was selected by the client and STRAAT’S curatorial team as he is able to capture not only likeness of a character, but also their energy.

What?

Henny’s family and friends came to STRAAT Agency in 2024 to commission a skilled artist to express his legacy and what he meant to those who knew him. Sportcentrum Pleizier felt that a large wall situated in the heart of the center would be a fitting place to pay homage to Henny. The members of the center did not only want to celebrate Henny’s sporting excellence, but also his ability to bring local residents together to do sport no matter their age or ability. Karski made a unique visual composition following conversations with Henny’s family and colleagues. Every image, color and symbol used was carefully selected to honor Henny’s legacy. Karski chose the title ‘Legacy’ to highlight that this piece is not only a celebration of Henny’s life but a reminder to ensure his passion for community, sport, learning and togetherness continues.