Merijn Hos’s Flora Takes Flight for Down The Rabbit Hole

The 2026 edition of Down the Rabbit Hole (DTRH), a three-day music festival in The Netherlands, rolled out this summer wrapped in branding rich in organic fantasy courtesy of Utrecht-based artist/illustrator Merijn Hos.

Merijn Hos: I serve as art director for DTRH and in this role I’m responsible for the festival’s visual identity and annual campaign, which I develop in close collaboration with the festival’s organizers.
 

“To me it’s a hopeful metaphor for the times we live in. Even in a world that often feels defined by uncertainty, polarization, and systems in decline, new forms of life, imagination, and solidarity continue to emerge.”

 
Every year I start with a central concept that becomes the foundation for both the still images and motion design. This year the idea revolved around flowers and plants that grow and bloom, but instead of withering away, their blossoms take flight, transforming into living organisms.

To me it’s a hopeful metaphor for the times we live in. Even in a world that often feels defined by uncertainty, polarization, and systems in decline, new forms of life, imagination, and solidarity continue to emerge. Ideas spread like seeds, communities take root and what appears fragile can become unexpectedly resilient.
 

Images

 
The text Florence + The Machine centered over a blurred, abstract background of Flora Takes Flight, with soft layers of flowers and greenery. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

The text The xx is centered over an abstract, flowing green and blue organic shape reminiscent of Merijn Hos. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

The text Little Simz is centered over a Merijn Hos style insect illustration, set against a blurry, light green background with faint, out-of-focus butterfly shapes that suggest a Flora Takes Flight theme. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

The name David Byrne centered over a soft, teal and gray background filled with floating, abstract floral shapes in the style of Merijn Hos. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

The words DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE are centered over a translucent butterfly amidst abstract, colorful foliage in this festival trailer by Merijn Hos. Frame from Stash Magazine article.
 

Credits

 
Client: DTRH

Director/animator: Merijn Hos