The Dutch graffiti and hip-hop community is in mourning following the death of Henk, the legendary founder of graffiti store Henxs in Amsterdam. A pioneer of the Dutch graffiti scene, Henk provided artists with materials, knowledge and unconditional support for decades. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in the walls, artwork and hearts of many.
Henxs: The Epicenter of Graffiti Revolution
The Birth of a Legend
Henxs, located on the Sint Antoniesbreestraat in Amsterdam, was more than a shop-it was a sacred place for graffiti artists. Henk founded the business at a time when graffiti was still considered vandalism, and spray cans were secretly bought or "borrowed."
He changed this by being the first in the Netherlands to officially sell Montana spray cans. This was a milestone that made graffiti accessible to a new generation of artists. The store grew into a meeting place where beginners and veterans alike came together, not only to buy materials, but also to exchange stories and techniques. Customers praised the personal attention:
"Henk and Lucan always gave personal attention and quality," said loyal visitors.
From Illegal to Legitimate
Henk broke the stigma around graffiti by partnering with brands such as Montana Colors and Citykingz, putting professional materials at his fingertips. His vision extended beyond the store: he launched henxs.com, one of the first online platforms in Europe for graffiti supplies.
This made Henxs a household name not only locally, but also internationally. Artists like Again, an icon of the Amsterdam scene, found at Henk's the means to perfect their art-a symbol of how Henk connected generations.
A Street Art Philanthropist
Sponsorship and Community-Building
Henk's influence extended beyond sales. He believed in supporting artists by sponsoring projects and donating materials.
A striking example is his contribution to our (Jerome XL & DRT) music video "Hip Hop Has a Wound" in 2003. He donated dozens of spray cans to transform a building into a colorful work of art. This not only visually enriched the clip, but also highlighted the symbiotic relationship between hip hop and graffiti.
"Without Henk, we would never have been able to accomplish this."
And so there are countless stories and examples of artists and performers for whom Henk had a serious impact on their projects.
Mentoring and Warnings
Henk was more than a salesman-he was a counselor. Young artists remember his advice, such as warnings about certain crews or guidelines about the unwritten rules in the scene. His lessons on caution and respect for the art form live on among many he mentored.
Personal Stories: A Legacy of Friendship
The Teenager and the Sprayer
For many, Henxs was a rite of passage. A loyal customer shares:
"As a teenager, I saved money from my newspaper round to buy spray cans at Henxs. You didn't buy them lightly-you were careful. We cleaned caps in turpentine and used every drop of paint with care."
These anecdotes illustrate Henk's role as guardian of quality; he did not sell tools, but instruments of expression.
The Risk of the Trade
Another story tells of nightly drives to Amsterdam to pick up loads of spray cans, "with the fear of being robbed before we reached the car."
Henk understood the risks of street life and made sure his clients could always rely on his reliability.
The Godfather's Vision: Graffiti on the Map
An Indelible Stamp
His efforts resulted in a thriving scene where Dutch artists broke through internationally.
"He wanted to put graffiti big on the map-and he absolutely succeeded," stresses a fellow artist.
Conclusion: rest in peace, King of the Street
Henk's passing leaves a void, but his spirit lives on in every wall that is colorfully spray-painted, every artist he inspired, and every spray can that still bears his logo.
Keep The Salt Radio pays tribute to Henk-an echo of the voices he amplified. We echo the words of a customer:
"He was everybody's friend, a living legend. His name will continue to be honored."
Henk, rest in peace. Your colors will continue to shine.
This tribute is based on Henxs personal memories, community reactions and historical contributions to graffiti culture. Henk, cheers up there on behalf of all of us down here! Thank you for everything!
#HHZ #HouSalt #Henxs #Henk #Graffiti #HipHop #RIP
