Stuiptrekkingen

Stuiptrekkingen refers to a form of public art or street performance originating from the Netherlands. It typically involves loosely defined challenges, often impossible to complete, given by a mysterious figure on a bike who addresses people on the street.

Those wishing to participate are handed a folded paper with the challenge, which is usually cryptic and difficult to decipher. The purpose is generally to catch people off guard, and the rest is a matter of interpretation and imagination. Once a challenge is completed, the participant may receive further instructions or clarification on the nature of the next challenge.

The origin of stuiptrekkingen is not well-documented, but it gained significant attention in the Netherlands in the 1970s and 1980s. Those involved in creating and executing these public performances frequently remain anonymous, adding to the intrigue of the practice. Stuiptrekkingen often tests how one might react in unprecedented situations, putting players in unexpected roles and circumstances.

Those who participate are left to figure out what they are doing and how to respond to the events unfolding around them. Sometimes these incidents involve small tricks or manipulations, while other times they seem to be explorations into social norms and public behavior. Organic in its nature, stuiptrekkingen resists fixed categorization and can display itself in spontaneous sightings around public areas, particularly major cities, particularly in the Netherlands but also widely adopted worldwide.