Amsterdam
This week we were sent out all on our own to Amsterdam. I was armed with my list of exhibitions, a map (bought at the station when I realised that I somehow had to find them all), some questions, my camera, a notebook and 4 hours.
From the station I decided to hit the first closest exhibition on the list. After taking the wrong ferry and walking around for a good 10 min finding the place I finally arrived at my first destination:
+ Beeldhalwerk, in de Kromhouthal
Wat is het tentoonstellingsconcept van Beeldhalwerk en hoe ervaar je dit?
Sohrab Bayat, one of the artists says: 'Wij nemen het heft in eigen handen. Ons uitgangspunt voor deze show is wat wij als kunstenaars goed vinden en wat wij graag willen zien. Het zijn onze subjectieve keuzes, maar dat heeft geen verdediging nodig. Ik hoef mij niet in te dekken met allerlei theorieën. Ik weet als kunstenaar wat ik goede kunst vind.'
The set up reflects this ‘concept’; all the sculptures are placed close together, so that each glance catches more than one piece. Some sculptures reflect others, or move others and various sounds echo throughout the hall. They don’t seem to follow any ordering rules, contemporary sculptures mixed with older works and all different techniques placed next to each other. The only structuring elements are the black rubber matting under each sculpture. This not only lets the viewers
know where not to walk, but give each sculpture their own sense of ‘boundary’ and ownership of space, however minimal.
Zou je het zelf ook zo doen?
I found it a bit chaotic at first, but after reading the intention behind the collection, the presentation makes sense. Some works would have been nice to experience in a more ‘quiet’ space. However, I did like the way some of the sculptures reflected other works on display or how the spinning of the big fabric umbrella moved some elements of a sculpture below it. Sounds from various artworks could be heard throughout the space, so it felt that somehow they were all connected. I liked the relaxed atmosphere, and I think it suited the works. As a visitor, I felt like I could casually observe the works without feeling like I was being judged for the ways I viewed them.
The setting was good, and I would use a similar large space but something slightly more neutral. The lighting was good and the height of the ceiling made everything feel less cramped.
I really enjoyed climbing up the ‘view tower’ to experience the exhibition from above, it was great to get a different perspective of the works.
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| View from the tower |
My next stop was:
+ Installatie van Krijn de Koning, Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam
Hoe ervaar je ruimtelijkheid van het werk van Krijn de Koning?
We experience the space standing on a flat plane, elevated from the ground. The railing isn't a focus, so we experience the whole upper space of the church. The eye follows the structural and architectural details within the church.
His artwork within an artwork makes use of colour to emphasise each space, and windows to connect between them. It feels very personal and private. A very different type of space that the visitors can experience.
Hoe ervaar je de kerk, nu je op 5m hoogte kunt lopen?
I was less affected by the sense of height that one usually experiences in a church, where the focus is usually in drawing the eye up to the 'heavens'. However, being at this height allows the viewer to better experience all the details. For example, the stained glass windows are now on eye level, and all the ceiling ornamentation and column details. At this height we can better appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry present within the church.
Hoe ervaar je de kerk erna als je weer beneden staat?
Back on ground level, I think most viewers have gained an appreciation for the architecure, and the details present. Perhaps more of a focus on the parts of the whole, and what role they play.
I personally also loved walking through the forest of scaffolding - Also a very different and strange way of experiencing the church.
Last on the list was:
+ Stedelijk Museum, Paulus Potterstraat
Hoe verhoud de nieuwe ingang zich met het oude Stedelijke Museum?
They are clearly built for very different times. The old entry is respectable and functional, opening into a nice forum/reception space. Now, as a museum acting on an international scale in the 21st century, the new entry is much more innovative and creative. It also provides necessary extra exhibition space.
In terms of placement, the new entry places more emphasis on the Museumplein and connections with the other museums. I think this movement towards a ‘forum’ between all the museums is a very interesting and valid idea.
The connection between the old museum and the new entry has been treated very sympathetically. The lower level’s glass walls allow a visual connection with the old building.
Geeft het een extra stimulans om binnen te gaan?
Yes, I believe it will. Because it is unusual, innovative and striking, I think it will attract a lot of attention and interest.
Geeft het een extra gewicht aan de collectie?
I think the new entry better reflects the museum’s collection and its status as the largest museum for modern and contemporary art and design within the Netherlands. The entry is one of the first things visitors will view/judge and they’ll be seen presenting something creative and innovative. This exterior will give more meaning to the interior collection.
On the way home though, I also managed to visit one last exhibition:
+ 10 Years via Milano, New Dutch Design
I was very excited to see this exhibition, and wasn't disappointed. It was great to physically stand in front of designs that I'd idolised in magazines as well as getting a chance to see some completely unfamiliar work. I've included a few of my favourites.
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| I loved this idea: "A glass ring for catching and treasuring tears. The falling tear is caught in the cup of the ring where it slowly rolls to the centre. Here it eventually evaporates leaving behind nothing but a memory and a small trace of salt" |
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| Brands as the new religion. The reflection is of the stained glass window from the church this exhibition was in...fitting. |
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| When the tiles are dry, they just look like plain tiles, only when wet do the patterns/ decorations become visible. For a country with a lot of rain and depressing weather, seems like a pretty awesome concept. |
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| 'Aireborne Snotty Vase, Sinusitis Large' - Marcel Wanders "The Snotty Vase collection is made up of five different vases: Coryza, Influenza, Ozeana, Pollinosis and Sinusitis. The shape of each vase is based on snot, caused by one of the above five conditions, which has been sneezed out, scanned and then 'printed' 3 dimensionally" |
And thats the end of a long, busy, but exciting day exploring Amsterdam!
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