List #19
Last weekend was the unofficial/official start of the last half of the Amsterdam Art season 2007-2008. There were at least 19 openings that I knew about. I attended a total of 15. And there were three galleries that had large group shows---more about that under the rubric "What You Missed..." below. Anyway, I got to wondering as to how many artists were showing. I checked the invitations and came up with this figure: 59. WOW! What a great overview of today's art. See what you miss by NOT going?
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WHAT YOU MISSED LAST WEEK
As I mentioned, in the intro, I saw the work of about 60 artists...whew...and I have lived to tell about it...
Friday: 11th January
ARTTRA (2e Boomdwarsstraat 4). Victor Onstein hangs a show titled "Tissue 'n Bones - Bone 'n Spike." If you have a bone to pick with an artist I guess Onstein the one to see. What he does is to paint bones that have been lying around for some time, in other words, what we get are the "bare bones" of the subject. But if you expect an anatomical lesson this is not the show for you since these are bones almost in an abstract sense. They are representational but impressionistic too and with an abstract background, so you don't even think of them as bones. He paints them on "plastic" paper and mounts that on aluminum. NO frame necessary. In fact, he specifies that they not be framed. In other words, let the bones speak for themselves. Good work. Until 5th February www.arttra.nl
Friday: 11th January
ARTTRA (2e Boomdwarsstraat 4). Victor Onstein hangs a show titled "Tissue 'n Bones - Bone 'n Spike." If you have a bone to pick with an artist I guess Onstein the one to see. What he does is to paint bones that have been lying around for some time, in other words, what we get are the "bare bones" of the subject. But if you expect an anatomical lesson this is not the show for you since these are bones almost in an abstract sense. They are representational but impressionistic too and with an abstract background, so you don't even think of them as bones. He paints them on "plastic" paper and mounts that on aluminum. NO frame necessary. In fact, he specifies that they not be framed. In other words, let the bones speak for themselves. Good work. Until 5th February www.arttra.nl
Reviews
SATURDAY: 12th January
Galerie Petit (N.Z. Voorburgwal 270) shows two artist. Hans Bionda is almost a hyperrealist. I mean, you can count the blades of grass in his paintings. There are three trip-tychs on display (4,500 euro) of beach scenes that are captivating. We not only see the water meandering through the dunes but we can feel its current; and the nuance of the light on the water is exceptional. If this is your style you'll like what you see. (1,650 to 4,500 euro). Harry De Leeuw is concerned with transfering architectural imagery and form into sculpture. There are 41 bronze pieces on display. Some are miniature "city scapes" wall hangings, standing towers, iron gated entrances and a few landscapes with building and sometimes these structures are surrounded with water. (375 to 6,100 euro.) Until 20th February. http://www.galeriepetit.nl/ ***
Hey, Ron, give me a break! Ronmandos (Prinsengracht 282) has the audacity to hang 14 artists. Something for everyone! The problem is, there is so much good work that, it was difficult to take it all in. I won't even talk about the very large (125x100 cms) Koen Hauser's Disney like prints? photos? in an edition of five. (I'm not sure of the technique because I saw them at the end of my inspection of the show and didn't put my nose up to the surface and the price list doesn't clarify the matter except to list them as in an edition). They would certainly look good in a child's room. (2,500 to 3,000.) Opposite, was a DVD of a butterfly in metamorphoses from cacoon to winged insect. I watched the complete play through. No time metioned on the price list. Edition 10, @ 1,500 euro. Several William Wegman dog photos on display, but some are rather conceptual as compared to what we generally associate with his style. "Screen Saver" (ed 15, 5,000 euro) is a good example.
Barbara Polderman does collages and objects as collages. The latter is a little difficult to explain. An owl in a nest is a good example. The nest is made of various textiles, different colors and designs and the owl itself is from fabric (75x55x45 cms, @ 4,700 euro.) Then there is the dog on a pillow. Same idea, but this spotted and multicolored dog has patches of pelts as well. The collages are meticulous in design and production (47x44.5x3 cms @ 600 euro.) Go by the gallery at any time and you'll see, in the window, her seal. I liked it. (100x100x116 cnms, 7,500 euro.)Nicolas Grospierre and Olge Mokrzycka's "Mausoleum" (miniature edition) is a laminated box set of seven lambda photo prints mounted on panel wood. I don't understand this from the price list: ed. 1-5 @ 950 euro and ed. 6-10 @ 1,250 euro. Buy one of the first five and save?The large oil (110x220 cms) on canvas by Mark Fairnington "Paradise Bird" (22,800 euro) is nearly hyperrealistic. You can count the 5,463 feathers. (Note: I am now required to count leaves of grass and feathers too. Ah, the life of a reviewer is hard.) As I recall, Silvia B was one of the artist that inaugarated this gallery. It is good to see her back! She does sculptures in fabric and more. Take "Le petit monde" (which could be also be titled "Study in Black") it is made of lambskin on synthetic material, human hair, eye lashes, paint, clothing, leather shoes on a painted base. (135x150x150 cms @ 18,000 euro.) Erwibn Olaf hangs large photos (120x120 cms ed. 10, 4,950 euro). The imagery and subject matter is NOT what I am use to from him. No ladies here, but young men, dogs and a dead duck...lord love a duck...dead or alive!There is a video by Jeroen Eisinga of a sleeping zebra (8 min 42 sec.; ed. 10, 11,500 euro). We know he is sleeping---and not dead---by the movement of his stomach. Christiaan Zwanikken makes weird contraptions that move and do things. "Alice's Cupboard" made of wood, metal, servo-motors, micro computer and parts of a goose and a bird's wing elicited screams of joy from a three year old as he stared fascinated at the animated object go through its performance. (200x40x40 cms, @ 6,500 euro.)
Sorry to the rest of the artist...but I'm out of breath...blame on big Ron! Until 16th February. http://www.ronmandos.nl/ ***
GMVZ (Prinsengracht 276) shows the paintings of Martin Neumaier and his technique is very good. As to the subject matter, well it is inspried by science set against a conceptual landscape like backgound. (80x110 cms @ 4,800 euro.) Also showing is Assaf Gruber rather unusual objects. There is a floor piece made up of three bowling balls secured to the wall by a metal strap. (100x35x37 cms @ 3,500 euro.) An installation of 11 colored metal plates on stands are displayed erractically on the floor and work their way up to and unto the wall. Nice. (4,500 euro.) Until 16th February http://www.gmvz.com/. (Note: This was a first. The gallery holder---we've have never talked---came over and took the price list and my pencil from my hand, as I was making notes, without asking. I stood waiting for him to finish using them. When he did, he returned the price list and walked away with my pencil. I had to ask for it back. 3D gets no respect!) *** Motive Gallery (Elandsgracht 10) hangs an installation made up of several pieces that include photos, videos, drawings, etc., by Mounira Al Solh. It also tells a story. It is also unusual in its "for sale" price in the sense that you can purchase the several pieces at a set price or some pieces from the installation which are in an edition. An example is "Box: 4 DVDs video, 1 CD documentation, edition 5."Elénore de Montesguiou shows a nearly five minute video of impoverished 3rd world children. We see no joy in their faces. (DVD, @ 1,500.)Tintin Wulia has made an unusual and in many ways captivating video around the theme "How the World Began." The video compostion is broken into individual boxes showing independent events and/or people talking. there is even an element of abstraction from what appears to be "frequency noise" that interjects itself from time to time. Captivating. (DVD, 6 min, ed. 5; 6,000 euro.) Until 17th Febuary. http://www.motivegallery.nl/ ***
José Ramón Amondarain's "Zembat, Norena/How Much, From Whom" is the show at the Galerie Gabreil Rolt (Elandsgracht 34). At the entrance is a large oil on canvas (300x200 cms, 21,000 euro) which is rather spectacular in its compostion and imagery. We see a female artist, from the back, at her easel. There is a Ruebin like painting on the wall and it is the juxtaposition of opposites that gets your attention. The smaller pieces pay hommage to several painters from the late 20th century from Wesselman to Koons. In the back gallery is another large oil "Untitled" (230x300 cms, @ 21,000 euro) which features a vibrantly colored interpretation of a Frank Stella' work in contrast to a portrait in shades of gray. No closing date listed on invite. http://www.gabrielrolt.com/ ***
Witzenhausen Art Gallery---at their new location Elandstraat 145--- hangs eight artist: no name tags; and I had to ask for a price list. "The written word is also an image." So says the press release. Indeed, each work on display features typography either as simple symbols or as the ingredients of words and sentences. The styles vary.There are those that you would describe as members of the Pop School, some traditional and one that's kitschy. The latter syle is examplified by Daniella Boett who does photographs that are pin-ups or of fashion models. She then perforates the images and backlights them. Then she punches out holes which inturn form words or strands of hair or tears. You will like it or loath it! (70x50x10 to 130x100x10 cms, @ 7 to 12,000 euro.)David Kramer hangs several pieces and each with pithy notations: "Why is it that the people who can most identify with me always have the same fucked up social skills that I have." I don't know! Go ask Witzenhausen. No closing date listed. Another new trend?
http://www.witzenhausengallery.com/ ***
Semâ Bekirovic is at Galerie Diana Stigter (Elandstraat 90). Typography is rally IN. Here we see a short film of individual letters, from the alphabet, in free fall from a high building. The latter is represented by rectangularly shaped windows. Sounds boring, but you really get into it. A piece hanging from the ceiling is made of perhaps a 1,000 or more dice. They are joined together and some appear to have fallen to the floor like leaves from a tree. The title of the show is aptly named: How To Stop Falling. But...does the show answer the question? Go and find out for yourself. Until 16th Febuary. http://www.dianstigter.nl/ ***
Well, when Witzenhausen opened the Elandstraat location we were lead to believe this would be one of two of his locations. Not so. The Hazenstraat address (60) is now occupied by VIVID Gallery, Rotterdam. This is their new Amsterdam branch. (Another trend. Galleries like Ronmandos, bart and GIST all new, in the last year or so, coming from other cities, in the Netherlands, to where the action is! And about time too.) VIVID specializes in design and this inaugural show features the work of Bey, Demankersvan, Heijens, Hutten, Pot, Atelier Van Lieshout, et al. There are chairs that really catch your attention, lighting objects, and an inverted disco mirror ball (you will understand when you see it) as well as ceramic table wear. From what I saw, in their initital show, I will be looking forward to the future exhibitions. They were out of invites when I arrived. I have no idea as to the closing date. www.vividvormgeving.nl
*** The Living Room (Fokke Simonszstraat 10) hangs paintings and work on paper by Harry Miedema. The style strongly evokes the 17th and 18th century. But there is a contemporary flavor--almost an impressionistic aftertaste---that gives the work a mysterious feel. Of course, the fact that some of the imagery is from mythology helps. Until 13th February. http://www.thelivingroomgallery.nl/ ***
At VOUS ETES ICI (Lijnbaansgracht 314) is The monochromic paintings of Jos van Merendonk, the show's title: Feedbackklussen. All the work is in the same shade of green but what keeps them from being all the same---or for that matter, boring---is that the surface texture is different in each. Some have a linear imagery from the swirls in the paint while others, because of the arrangement of the surface texture, seem to be abstract. Hmm...so what does it look like? Go see! Until 16th February. http://www.vousetesici.nl/ *** Next door, at Lumen Travo, (L 314) is work by two artists. Renaud-Auguste Dormeuil's consist of two videos. One is flanked on each side by three colored phtographs. The video, itself, is a series of stills of people in different enviroments and poses. The technique interacts with the images in a strange way. (1,500 to 5,000 euro, ed. 5).Claire Containe shows seven small paintings with nearly the same indentical imagery: we see what appears to be a telephone or PC number selection and there is a hand extended over it but the style is that of a genaric icon hand. They deviate not only by size but also in colors. (2,000 to 6,000.) Until 16th Febraury.
www.lumentravo.nl ***
Galerie Akinci (L 317) exhibition is an installation that is available "for sale" individually. Now for the hard part, how to explain it? I picked up the press release and this is what I read: "This system of divine proportion is studied and applied in art, architecture, mathematics and music, disciplines that are all fundamental aspects of Erek's work...the simple application of rhythm and compression of time in "Ruler" are more visually tactile and active in studio." Got that? Well, I didn't. So I went looking for the artist.He explained to me that there is an interrelationship with all his work but it is conceptual, abstract and living. One piece grows and/or evolves from another. They can be completely different in material, functionalism (sounds, rulers, a pair of rings for a couple, etc) but they have evolved from a central point. Nearly everything is in b/w and that resulted from a request he made to a friend at MIT (Cambridge, USA). The friend asked him to express his need in "0" and "1." This is where the sharp contrast comes from in many of the objects. But go see the show and try to follow the action. It won't be easy, but if conceptual ideas get you off you'll have some thrills. Until 16th Febuary. http://www.akinci.nl/ ***
At vanwijngaardenhakkens (L318), in the front gallery is the work of Nadia Naveau and the show is titled "le salon du plaisir." There is a large table on which are displayed about 50 sculptured pieces all in white. Each is made from plastic, bronze, ceramic, polyester and/or plaster. But it is the imagery that gets your attention. At first glance, they all appear to be abstract forms. Study them more closely and you will see a bear and an American indian, on horse back, flanked by a few trees. Each one is sort of a mystery requiring you to investigate. That's what makes the work interesting because nothing is obvious; you must search for it. (600 to 35,000 euro.)
Heske de Vries' "inside outside" consists of paintings and drawings. She paints a variety of subject matter: people, cars, parks, a sewing room, etc, but it is the style that sets them apart from traditional representation. (400 to 1,900.) Until 16th February. The invite does not list their web-site address. Send complaints to: info@vanwijngaardenhakkens.nl, Fortunately, they did remember to include their e-mail address. ***
SMART Project Space mounts a group show around two themes "voiceoverhead." and "I know the world." An it is a truly international representation with the six artist from Denmark, Czechoslovakia, England, Israel, USA and Germany. (This, I came to understand as I reviewed my notes, is an incorrect number and incomplete list which should become apparent as you read further.)If you think conceptual art is difficult to sometimes comprehend, well then try dealing with the information that is sometimes provided to the exhibition space that SHOULD inform you about all matters concerned.Where to begin...at the entrance to the space might be the logical place. There is a table with various piles; some of single sheets of paper and two for small booklets. I didn't examine anything closely (it was 22:00 and I had been at it since 15:00). I took a sheet of paper on which I saw a schematic design of the rooms of the space (it later proved to be, in actuality, a description of only half the exhibition space.) At "Space 1" there are these boxes (diorama) that were popular durng the 18th and 19th century. These diorama boxes are, plus or minus, 50 cms in depth. Each contain cut outs of people and scenery staggered at intervals of 10 cms or so. It resembles a theatre stage setting. The cut outs were from color photographs by the artist. Also, in the room, where large human size cut outs of other imagery. I rather liked it and looked for the name of the artist. But couldn't find it in the room and the sheet of paper in my hand said: "Space 1: 2-7 J&K" and that was followed with this explanation: "Egyptomaniacs, 2006/2007 Installation consisting of three-dismensional collages, photographs, collage figures, diorama boxes." But who is J&K? The artist(s), I assume. So, as I was reviewing my notes to write this I picked up the booklet which is titled "voiceoverhead." The J&K does not match with the six artists names listed at the back. Alas, I now assume that there is a booklet, titled "I know the world," for "Space 1,2,3 and 3A as there is for Space 6,5,4 [sic]." Damn! Should I go back? Nah, too much trouble. Of course, there was a tip off that there could possibly be two booklets because after I had meanered my way from Space 1 to Space 3A I noticed that the other half of the schematic representation of the total space had no numbers to indicate titles and attribution of pieces and had to return to the lobby to search for the second sheet of paper (why didn't they staple the two sheets together? Probably because it was too much trouble.) But, I digress...
Space 4 had an intereting wall consisting of 105 original pressing talking/spoken LPs. There was the words of JFK, MLK Jr., LBJ not to mention Ronald Reagan and Gorbachev with Cardinal Speelman to Prince Charles and Diana (as a couple) in between. It was an interesting historical/biographical representation. In Space 6 Caasper Cordes mounted 32 pages of sheet music titled "Axes." You could put on ear phones and follow the composition with the music...if you can read it. The sounds were avant-gardé. That's all I'm going say about this show. It just became too much of an effort to know what was going on. You need a university education to follow it and I have one, but...it didn't do much good...Not a good ending to a rather exciting day. But the worst was yet to come. As I was unlocking my bike I noticed that I had a flat tire. Ah, the old knife in the back trick...well, there is always next week...speaking of which...
Galerie Petit (N.Z. Voorburgwal 270) shows two artist. Hans Bionda is almost a hyperrealist. I mean, you can count the blades of grass in his paintings. There are three trip-tychs on display (4,500 euro) of beach scenes that are captivating. We not only see the water meandering through the dunes but we can feel its current; and the nuance of the light on the water is exceptional. If this is your style you'll like what you see. (1,650 to 4,500 euro). Harry De Leeuw is concerned with transfering architectural imagery and form into sculpture. There are 41 bronze pieces on display. Some are miniature "city scapes" wall hangings, standing towers, iron gated entrances and a few landscapes with building and sometimes these structures are surrounded with water. (375 to 6,100 euro.) Until 20th February. http://www.galeriepetit.nl/ ***
Hey, Ron, give me a break! Ronmandos (Prinsengracht 282) has the audacity to hang 14 artists. Something for everyone! The problem is, there is so much good work that, it was difficult to take it all in. I won't even talk about the very large (125x100 cms) Koen Hauser's Disney like prints? photos? in an edition of five. (I'm not sure of the technique because I saw them at the end of my inspection of the show and didn't put my nose up to the surface and the price list doesn't clarify the matter except to list them as in an edition). They would certainly look good in a child's room. (2,500 to 3,000.) Opposite, was a DVD of a butterfly in metamorphoses from cacoon to winged insect. I watched the complete play through. No time metioned on the price list. Edition 10, @ 1,500 euro. Several William Wegman dog photos on display, but some are rather conceptual as compared to what we generally associate with his style. "Screen Saver" (ed 15, 5,000 euro) is a good example.
Barbara Polderman does collages and objects as collages. The latter is a little difficult to explain. An owl in a nest is a good example. The nest is made of various textiles, different colors and designs and the owl itself is from fabric (75x55x45 cms, @ 4,700 euro.) Then there is the dog on a pillow. Same idea, but this spotted and multicolored dog has patches of pelts as well. The collages are meticulous in design and production (47x44.5x3 cms @ 600 euro.) Go by the gallery at any time and you'll see, in the window, her seal. I liked it. (100x100x116 cnms, 7,500 euro.)Nicolas Grospierre and Olge Mokrzycka's "Mausoleum" (miniature edition) is a laminated box set of seven lambda photo prints mounted on panel wood. I don't understand this from the price list: ed. 1-5 @ 950 euro and ed. 6-10 @ 1,250 euro. Buy one of the first five and save?The large oil (110x220 cms) on canvas by Mark Fairnington "Paradise Bird" (22,800 euro) is nearly hyperrealistic. You can count the 5,463 feathers. (Note: I am now required to count leaves of grass and feathers too. Ah, the life of a reviewer is hard.) As I recall, Silvia B was one of the artist that inaugarated this gallery. It is good to see her back! She does sculptures in fabric and more. Take "Le petit monde" (which could be also be titled "Study in Black") it is made of lambskin on synthetic material, human hair, eye lashes, paint, clothing, leather shoes on a painted base. (135x150x150 cms @ 18,000 euro.) Erwibn Olaf hangs large photos (120x120 cms ed. 10, 4,950 euro). The imagery and subject matter is NOT what I am use to from him. No ladies here, but young men, dogs and a dead duck...lord love a duck...dead or alive!There is a video by Jeroen Eisinga of a sleeping zebra (8 min 42 sec.; ed. 10, 11,500 euro). We know he is sleeping---and not dead---by the movement of his stomach. Christiaan Zwanikken makes weird contraptions that move and do things. "Alice's Cupboard" made of wood, metal, servo-motors, micro computer and parts of a goose and a bird's wing elicited screams of joy from a three year old as he stared fascinated at the animated object go through its performance. (200x40x40 cms, @ 6,500 euro.)
Sorry to the rest of the artist...but I'm out of breath...blame on big Ron! Until 16th February. http://www.ronmandos.nl/ ***
GMVZ (Prinsengracht 276) shows the paintings of Martin Neumaier and his technique is very good. As to the subject matter, well it is inspried by science set against a conceptual landscape like backgound. (80x110 cms @ 4,800 euro.) Also showing is Assaf Gruber rather unusual objects. There is a floor piece made up of three bowling balls secured to the wall by a metal strap. (100x35x37 cms @ 3,500 euro.) An installation of 11 colored metal plates on stands are displayed erractically on the floor and work their way up to and unto the wall. Nice. (4,500 euro.) Until 16th February http://www.gmvz.com/. (Note: This was a first. The gallery holder---we've have never talked---came over and took the price list and my pencil from my hand, as I was making notes, without asking. I stood waiting for him to finish using them. When he did, he returned the price list and walked away with my pencil. I had to ask for it back. 3D gets no respect!) *** Motive Gallery (Elandsgracht 10) hangs an installation made up of several pieces that include photos, videos, drawings, etc., by Mounira Al Solh. It also tells a story. It is also unusual in its "for sale" price in the sense that you can purchase the several pieces at a set price or some pieces from the installation which are in an edition. An example is "Box: 4 DVDs video, 1 CD documentation, edition 5."Elénore de Montesguiou shows a nearly five minute video of impoverished 3rd world children. We see no joy in their faces. (DVD, @ 1,500.)Tintin Wulia has made an unusual and in many ways captivating video around the theme "How the World Began." The video compostion is broken into individual boxes showing independent events and/or people talking. there is even an element of abstraction from what appears to be "frequency noise" that interjects itself from time to time. Captivating. (DVD, 6 min, ed. 5; 6,000 euro.) Until 17th Febuary. http://www.motivegallery.nl/ ***
José Ramón Amondarain's "Zembat, Norena/How Much, From Whom" is the show at the Galerie Gabreil Rolt (Elandsgracht 34). At the entrance is a large oil on canvas (300x200 cms, 21,000 euro) which is rather spectacular in its compostion and imagery. We see a female artist, from the back, at her easel. There is a Ruebin like painting on the wall and it is the juxtaposition of opposites that gets your attention. The smaller pieces pay hommage to several painters from the late 20th century from Wesselman to Koons. In the back gallery is another large oil "Untitled" (230x300 cms, @ 21,000 euro) which features a vibrantly colored interpretation of a Frank Stella' work in contrast to a portrait in shades of gray. No closing date listed on invite. http://www.gabrielrolt.com/ ***
Witzenhausen Art Gallery---at their new location Elandstraat 145--- hangs eight artist: no name tags; and I had to ask for a price list. "The written word is also an image." So says the press release. Indeed, each work on display features typography either as simple symbols or as the ingredients of words and sentences. The styles vary.There are those that you would describe as members of the Pop School, some traditional and one that's kitschy. The latter syle is examplified by Daniella Boett who does photographs that are pin-ups or of fashion models. She then perforates the images and backlights them. Then she punches out holes which inturn form words or strands of hair or tears. You will like it or loath it! (70x50x10 to 130x100x10 cms, @ 7 to 12,000 euro.)David Kramer hangs several pieces and each with pithy notations: "Why is it that the people who can most identify with me always have the same fucked up social skills that I have." I don't know! Go ask Witzenhausen. No closing date listed. Another new trend?
http://www.witzenhausengallery.com/ ***
Semâ Bekirovic is at Galerie Diana Stigter (Elandstraat 90). Typography is rally IN. Here we see a short film of individual letters, from the alphabet, in free fall from a high building. The latter is represented by rectangularly shaped windows. Sounds boring, but you really get into it. A piece hanging from the ceiling is made of perhaps a 1,000 or more dice. They are joined together and some appear to have fallen to the floor like leaves from a tree. The title of the show is aptly named: How To Stop Falling. But...does the show answer the question? Go and find out for yourself. Until 16th Febuary. http://www.dianstigter.nl/ ***
Well, when Witzenhausen opened the Elandstraat location we were lead to believe this would be one of two of his locations. Not so. The Hazenstraat address (60) is now occupied by VIVID Gallery, Rotterdam. This is their new Amsterdam branch. (Another trend. Galleries like Ronmandos, bart and GIST all new, in the last year or so, coming from other cities, in the Netherlands, to where the action is! And about time too.) VIVID specializes in design and this inaugural show features the work of Bey, Demankersvan, Heijens, Hutten, Pot, Atelier Van Lieshout, et al. There are chairs that really catch your attention, lighting objects, and an inverted disco mirror ball (you will understand when you see it) as well as ceramic table wear. From what I saw, in their initital show, I will be looking forward to the future exhibitions. They were out of invites when I arrived. I have no idea as to the closing date. www.vividvormgeving.nl
*** The Living Room (Fokke Simonszstraat 10) hangs paintings and work on paper by Harry Miedema. The style strongly evokes the 17th and 18th century. But there is a contemporary flavor--almost an impressionistic aftertaste---that gives the work a mysterious feel. Of course, the fact that some of the imagery is from mythology helps. Until 13th February. http://www.thelivingroomgallery.nl/ ***
At VOUS ETES ICI (Lijnbaansgracht 314) is The monochromic paintings of Jos van Merendonk, the show's title: Feedbackklussen. All the work is in the same shade of green but what keeps them from being all the same---or for that matter, boring---is that the surface texture is different in each. Some have a linear imagery from the swirls in the paint while others, because of the arrangement of the surface texture, seem to be abstract. Hmm...so what does it look like? Go see! Until 16th February. http://www.vousetesici.nl/ *** Next door, at Lumen Travo, (L 314) is work by two artists. Renaud-Auguste Dormeuil's consist of two videos. One is flanked on each side by three colored phtographs. The video, itself, is a series of stills of people in different enviroments and poses. The technique interacts with the images in a strange way. (1,500 to 5,000 euro, ed. 5).Claire Containe shows seven small paintings with nearly the same indentical imagery: we see what appears to be a telephone or PC number selection and there is a hand extended over it but the style is that of a genaric icon hand. They deviate not only by size but also in colors. (2,000 to 6,000.) Until 16th Febraury.
www.lumentravo.nl ***
Galerie Akinci (L 317) exhibition is an installation that is available "for sale" individually. Now for the hard part, how to explain it? I picked up the press release and this is what I read: "This system of divine proportion is studied and applied in art, architecture, mathematics and music, disciplines that are all fundamental aspects of Erek's work...the simple application of rhythm and compression of time in "Ruler" are more visually tactile and active in studio." Got that? Well, I didn't. So I went looking for the artist.He explained to me that there is an interrelationship with all his work but it is conceptual, abstract and living. One piece grows and/or evolves from another. They can be completely different in material, functionalism (sounds, rulers, a pair of rings for a couple, etc) but they have evolved from a central point. Nearly everything is in b/w and that resulted from a request he made to a friend at MIT (Cambridge, USA). The friend asked him to express his need in "0" and "1." This is where the sharp contrast comes from in many of the objects. But go see the show and try to follow the action. It won't be easy, but if conceptual ideas get you off you'll have some thrills. Until 16th Febuary. http://www.akinci.nl/ ***
At vanwijngaardenhakkens (L318), in the front gallery is the work of Nadia Naveau and the show is titled "le salon du plaisir." There is a large table on which are displayed about 50 sculptured pieces all in white. Each is made from plastic, bronze, ceramic, polyester and/or plaster. But it is the imagery that gets your attention. At first glance, they all appear to be abstract forms. Study them more closely and you will see a bear and an American indian, on horse back, flanked by a few trees. Each one is sort of a mystery requiring you to investigate. That's what makes the work interesting because nothing is obvious; you must search for it. (600 to 35,000 euro.)
Heske de Vries' "inside outside" consists of paintings and drawings. She paints a variety of subject matter: people, cars, parks, a sewing room, etc, but it is the style that sets them apart from traditional representation. (400 to 1,900.) Until 16th February. The invite does not list their web-site address. Send complaints to: info@vanwijngaardenhakkens.nl, Fortunately, they did remember to include their e-mail address. ***
SMART Project Space mounts a group show around two themes "voiceoverhead." and "I know the world." An it is a truly international representation with the six artist from Denmark, Czechoslovakia, England, Israel, USA and Germany. (This, I came to understand as I reviewed my notes, is an incorrect number and incomplete list which should become apparent as you read further.)If you think conceptual art is difficult to sometimes comprehend, well then try dealing with the information that is sometimes provided to the exhibition space that SHOULD inform you about all matters concerned.Where to begin...at the entrance to the space might be the logical place. There is a table with various piles; some of single sheets of paper and two for small booklets. I didn't examine anything closely (it was 22:00 and I had been at it since 15:00). I took a sheet of paper on which I saw a schematic design of the rooms of the space (it later proved to be, in actuality, a description of only half the exhibition space.) At "Space 1" there are these boxes (diorama) that were popular durng the 18th and 19th century. These diorama boxes are, plus or minus, 50 cms in depth. Each contain cut outs of people and scenery staggered at intervals of 10 cms or so. It resembles a theatre stage setting. The cut outs were from color photographs by the artist. Also, in the room, where large human size cut outs of other imagery. I rather liked it and looked for the name of the artist. But couldn't find it in the room and the sheet of paper in my hand said: "Space 1: 2-7 J&K" and that was followed with this explanation: "Egyptomaniacs, 2006/2007 Installation consisting of three-dismensional collages, photographs, collage figures, diorama boxes." But who is J&K? The artist(s), I assume. So, as I was reviewing my notes to write this I picked up the booklet which is titled "voiceoverhead." The J&K does not match with the six artists names listed at the back. Alas, I now assume that there is a booklet, titled "I know the world," for "Space 1,2,3 and 3A as there is for Space 6,5,4 [sic]." Damn! Should I go back? Nah, too much trouble. Of course, there was a tip off that there could possibly be two booklets because after I had meanered my way from Space 1 to Space 3A I noticed that the other half of the schematic representation of the total space had no numbers to indicate titles and attribution of pieces and had to return to the lobby to search for the second sheet of paper (why didn't they staple the two sheets together? Probably because it was too much trouble.) But, I digress...
Space 4 had an intereting wall consisting of 105 original pressing talking/spoken LPs. There was the words of JFK, MLK Jr., LBJ not to mention Ronald Reagan and Gorbachev with Cardinal Speelman to Prince Charles and Diana (as a couple) in between. It was an interesting historical/biographical representation. In Space 6 Caasper Cordes mounted 32 pages of sheet music titled "Axes." You could put on ear phones and follow the composition with the music...if you can read it. The sounds were avant-gardé. That's all I'm going say about this show. It just became too much of an effort to know what was going on. You need a university education to follow it and I have one, but...it didn't do much good...Not a good ending to a rather exciting day. But the worst was yet to come. As I was unlocking my bike I noticed that I had a flat tire. Ah, the old knife in the back trick...well, there is always next week...speaking of which...
Bits and Pieces
An old joke goes like this. As you may or may not know, the Catholic pope is considered to be infallible. But there are two things he does not know: how many orders of nuns there are; or what the Jesuits will do next. I might add that he has probably no idea how many museums there are in Amsterdam. I certainly don't. But what is a museum? Van Gogh, Stedelijk and Rijksmuseum no one will argue about the validity of the title. But what about the Sex Museum, the Torture Museum, The Bag Museum or the Hemp Museum? Where do we draw the line? Each of the four latter mentioned museums can probably personally justified the "museum" designation. (I didn't even mention the Museum Boat on the Prinsengracht at Elandsgracht.) Here is a new one on me: Pianola Museum (Westerstraat 106). It features pianos that were mechanical and "played themselves" via perforated paper scrolls with someone pumping the peddles or with "springs" that fead the schrolls (later, some went electric). This museum features models from the golden age period 1900 to 1940. In addition, they offer children concerts which are attended by groups of five to 20. There is no fixed program for these presentations; the program develops depending on their age and reactions. The moderator is Fokke Baarda, a musicologist.
The next children's concert is 3rd February at 14:00 For more info: 627.96.24 or http://www.pianola.nl/ in both Dutch and English.***
The next children's concert is 3rd February at 14:00 For more info: 627.96.24 or http://www.pianola.nl/ in both Dutch and English.***
REAL IS ME 08
At the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam building is Realisme 08 or, as it is printed on the catalog cover, REAL IS ME 08. You can't have it both ways but at Realisme 08 some galleries try so perhaps the cutsy way of representing the fair's name is accurate and, thus, justifiable. While an overwhelming majority of the work is indeed realistic representations, there are pieces, here and there, that could pass as abstracts. But no problem. What I do like about this art fair is that it is doable. There are 30 galleries---plus the Wackers Academie ---showing. In under two hours you will have seen it all; as well as have the opportunity to go back to a gallery or two and look closer at something that had caught your eye the first time around. And there is much to visually excite. Another factor to like about this fair is that 20 of the galleries are from outside of Amsterdam; such exotic places like Wehe-Den-Hoorn, Nieuweschans, Heusen, Harlingen, Leeuwarden (hey, 3D has been there), etc. Represeantational art often gets a bad rap. It is "sooo old fashion..." say some members of the avant-gardé crowd. However, when you examine the list of galleries attending, the names that pop out are those that fit into the avant-gardé gallery designation; most notably Willy Schoots of Eindhoven. They show such artists as Joseph Beuys, Armando, Lucebert, Lucassen, and Daniel Spoerri. These guys don't do landscape nor portraits. The point is, representational art is alive and well; and you only have to look at the prices to understand that there is a demand for it. An oil by Peter van Popper (160x110 cms) at Collectie Harms Rolde (Rolde) has a sticker price tag which reads 49,500 euro. Hey, baby, that's real folding money. And that isn't the highest amount I saw for a contemporary piece. The same gallery shows a mixed media work by Tai-Sahn Schierenberg (England b. 1962) with a tag quoting the take home cost at 69,500 euro, but his first name IS Chinese. In today's art market, that means an additional 50,000 in itself. Or so it seems.Nearly forgot. The Wacker Academie is hanging portrait work by 24 painters. Have you ever considered having your portrait or that of your partner and/or children painted? Here is a golden opportunity to examine several styles and find the one that you think best suits your desired immortaliziation. Dates & Times: Friday 18th; Saturday 19th; and Sunday 20th from 11-19:00. 12 euro entree fee.
