HAPPENING 21 Dec 2024–8 Jun 2025 | A new installation by Boris Acket will transform the Kunsthal Rotterdam’s architecture into a dynamic interplay of light, air, and textiles. Visitors will experience this unique artwork both inside and outside the iconic building.
Boris Acket brings ‘Spaces Between Lines’ to Kunsthal Rotterdam
From 21 December 2024 to 8 June 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam will host Spaces Between Lines, a site-specific installation by audiovisual artist and composer Boris Acket. The work, part of the Kunsthal’s “Inside/Out” programme, is designed to engage visitors with the unique architecture of the building, originally conceived by architect Rem Koolhaas.
Acket’s installation explores the nuances of the Kunsthal’s design, focusing on the interplay between its interior and exterior spaces. Inspired by the architectural dialogue describing the structure as “black and white, no grey,” the project highlights the often-overlooked spaces between the building’s sharp lines. Using textiles, light, and air, the work creates a dynamic interaction that blurs the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding Museumpark.
The art installation
The installation occupies two prominent spaces within the Kunsthal. In Hall 6, a 28-metre-long canvas is animated by an engineered rail system that creates swirling air currents, bringing life to the fabric and generating patterns of movement and light. The engineering, developed by Merijn Versnel in collaboration with Studio Boris Acket, creates a spectacle of motion designed to engage and mesmerise viewers.
On the exterior ramp, a second textile canvas interacts with the natural wind, establishing a dialogue with the indoor counterpart. Together, these elements create a visual and tactile connection between the inside and outside of the building. The fluctuating light and shadows, especially during the transition from day to night, enhance the sensory experience for visitors and passers-by alike.
Kunsthal’s Inside/Out programme
The “Inside/Out” initiative aims to highlight the architectural features of the Kunsthal while presenting art that seamlessly bridges the interior and exterior spaces. This programme offers designers a platform to create works specific to the Kunsthal’s iconic elements, such as the ramp and Hall 6. Both Kunsthal visitors and those in the Museumpark are invited to experience the installation during its run.
About Boris Acket
Boris Acket, an artist known for integrating sound, light, and movement, draws heavily from his background in electronic music and club culture. His works often explore themes of control and surrender, as seen in the current installation. Acket has exhibited internationally, including at events such as Milan Salone del Mobile and the Amsterdam Dance Event, and his latest projects delve into reimagining natural and philosophical concepts within the realm of art.
Practical information
Location and directions
The Kunsthal Rotterdam is located in the Museumpark, a central cultural hub of the city. The installation spans Hall 6 and the adjacent ramp, which connects Westzeedijk to Museumpark. Visitors can easily access the site by public transport or on foot. For detailed directions, consult the map below: