FROM 8 MARCH–15 JUNE 2025 | Brutus Rotterdam hosts ‘Everything is True – Nothing is Permitted,’ an exhibition challenging social and political norms through provocative art. Curated by Kendell Geers, the show features works from over 80 international artists, exploring censorship, resistance, and the power of art as protest.

_{Image: La Sombra (The Shadow) 2017 (Still). Photo credit: Regina José Galindo}

A radical exploration of art and politics

From 8 March to 15 June 2025, Brutus Rotterdam presents Everything is True – Nothing is Permitted, an exhibition that brings together artists whose work defies conventions, questions authority, and confronts censorship. Curated by South African artist and activist Kendell Geers, the show features over 80 international artists, including Marina Abramović, Andres Serrano, Gilbert & George, Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova, and Santiago Sierra.

The exhibition highlights the role of art as a form of protest and resistance. It explores themes such as police violence, racism, beauty standards, inequality, and capitalism’s impact on artistic expression. Many participating artists have faced persecution, censorship, or imprisonment due to their work.

Art beyond the gallery space

Rather than presenting works in a traditional museum setting, Everything is True – Nothing is Permitted embraces Brutus' raw, industrial atmosphere. Artworks are printed directly onto distressed walls, with peeling paint and rust stains forming part of the exhibition’s aesthetic. This unconventional approach recalls early 20th-century avant-garde movements such as Dadaism and Surrealism, which rejected mainstream artistic norms.

Challenging perceptions in a post-truth world

The exhibition examines the blurred lines between activism and terrorism, freedom and control, truth and manipulation. Works such as Piss Christ by Andres Serrano and David Wojnarowicz’s Silence = Death challenge conventional narratives and demand reflection on contemporary social issues. Other pieces draw from historical events, including the Capitol riot, the murder of George Floyd, and the 9/11 attacks, encouraging visitors to question how media and politics shape public perception.

Live performances and interactive elements

A significant aspect of the exhibition is its focus on performance art. Fifteen live performances will take place, including new works created specifically for the show by Mandy El-Sayegh and Regina José Galindo. Through photography, video, installation, and live actions, the exhibition underscores the human body as both a subject and a medium of resistance.

Works from the A/POLITICAL collection

Several pieces in the exhibition come from the London-based A/POLITICAL collection, an organisation supporting artists who struggle to find platforms due to the controversial nature of their work. A/POLITICAL has previously collaborated with figures such as Santiago Sierra and Bruce LaBruce and played a role in advocating for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s release.

About the curator: Kendell Geers

Kendell Geers, born in apartheid-era South Africa, has long explored themes of identity, resistance, and power dynamics in his work. His artistic career began as an anti-apartheid activist, and his experiences in exile shaped his approach to art as a tool for challenging authority. Geers has previously exhibited at major international events such as Documenta 11 and the Johannesburg Biennale.

About Brutus Rotterdam

Brutus is an artist-driven space located in Rotterdam’s M4H district, offering creators the freedom to experiment with various media. Established by artist Joep van Lieshout, Brutus is not a conventional museum but a space where art, sculpture, performance, and video installation converge. It spans 6,000 square metres and includes a sculpture garden, residency programmes, and the annual Brutus Prize.

Practical information

The exhibition runs from 8 March to 15 June 2025 at Brutus Space, Rotterdam.
Location: Keileweg 10, 3029 BS, Rotterdam
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 12:00 – 18:00
Admission: €10 / CJP & Rotterdampas €5 / We Are Public & Museumkaart free
Age restriction: Visitors must be 18+
For more details, visit Brutus.nl.

HAPPENING 28–30 March 2025 | Every year, Art Rotterdam draws art, artists, and collectors from all over the world. As the premier art fair in the Netherlands, Art Rotterdam is a great opportunity to view and even purchase spectacular new art from local and international artists.

What is Art Rotterdam?

Art Rotterdam is the main art fair in the Netherlands. The annual fair provides a platform for the newest developments in visual art. In particular, the fair's focus on recent art, the variety of its participants and sections, the event's connection with the city of Rotterdam and the iconic location (Van Nelle factory) give Art Rotterdam a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other.   For an increasing number of art professionals and collectors worldwide, Art Rotterdam has become a preferred destination within the international field of art fairs. The event attracts more visitors from the Netherlands and abroad each year.  

Art Rotterdam 2025

In 2025, Art Rotterdam relocates to Rotterdam Ahoy, offering exhibitors and visitors a significantly larger space. The new location enables the return of sections that had previously been scaled back due to space limitations, such as Sculpture Park, Intersections, and the video section Projections.

Alongside traditional gallery presentations, the fair will feature five curated sections:

• Prospects, a Mondriaan Fund exhibition showcasing works by 116 emerging artists.
• Projections, a 800 m² darkened space displaying twelve large-scale video works.
• Intersections, featuring installations by galleries and non-profits.
• New Art Section, where international galleries present solo exhibitions of innovative artists.
• Sculpture Park, a 300 m² open space displaying large sculptural works.

Art Rotterdam 2025 is scheduled to take place from Friday, 28 March to Sunday, 30 March 2025, with an opening event on Thursday, 27 March. This 26th edition marks a significant change, as the event will be held at a new venue: Rotterdam Ahoy. 

Opening Times:

• Friday, 28 March: 11:00 – 19:00
• Saturday, 29 March: 11:00 – 19:00
• Sunday, 30 March: 11:00 – 19:00

Tickets will be available online starting January 2025. Pricing is as follows:

• Regular Ticket: €22.50
• Off-Peak Ticket (valid daily from 15:30 – 19:00): €16.50
• Student Ticket: €14.50
• Children up to 12 years: Free entrance

For more information and updates, you can visit the official Art Rotterdam website.

DHB Bank as main sponsor and a special sound art project

DHB Bank has joined as Art Rotterdam’s main sponsor. In the DHB Art Space, the Rotterdam-based collective Unity in Diversity Rotterdam (UID) presents the interactive sound artwork Echoes of Us, by media artist Pedro Gil Farias. This work reflects on the aspirations of Rotterdam-Zuid residents and invites visitors to share their own visions for the future.

Notable artists and installations

Among the highlights of this edition are:

• Diana Scherer – Interwoven (Intersections): A bio-technological artwork that explores organic textile growth.
• Mercedes Azpilicueta – The Dancing Tables (New Art Section): A performance and sculptural installation exploring spiritualism.
• Jonas Brinker – Untitled (25.07.2022, 02:14 AM) (Projections): A video work depicting a dragonfly on Times Square.
• Atelier Van Lieshout – Tomb of the Unknown Artist (Sculpture Park): A sculptural tribute to artists whose work remains unrecognised.

Talks Programme: Reflections

The Reflections programme introduces an expanded schedule of lectures, Q&A sessions, and interactive presentations. Artists, museum directors, curators, and art professionals will discuss contemporary issues in the art world.

Highlights from the Reflections programme:

• Q&A with art historian Meta Knol, featuring Tjebbe Beekman, Diana Scherer, and Laurien Dumbar, discussing pivotal moments in their artistic careers.
• Lecture by Heske ten Cate and Laurie Cluitmans on the Centraal Museum exhibition Good Mom/Bad Mom, which explores motherhood myths and personal reflections by contemporary artists.
• Interview with artist Hans van der Ham, led by art editor Lucette ter Borg, discussing his work and curatorial approach.
• Panel discussion on cultural transitions, with curator Fatoş Üstek and social architect Rubiah Balsem, examining the future of institutional practices in the arts.
• Get a Grant event by the Mondriaan Fund, offering guidance for emerging artists on funding opportunities.
• Talk by Fenix museum director Anne Kremers on Rotterdam’s new migration-focused art museum, opening in May 2025.

The Reflections programme is part of Intersections and is free for visitors during the fair. On Friday, 28 March, the programme will focus on students and art professionals.

NN Art Award 2025 returns to Kunsthal Rotterdam

The NN Art Award, now in its ninth edition, recognises talented artists who have studied in the Netherlands and are exhibiting at Art Rotterdam. The winner will be announced at Kunsthal Rotterdam on Friday, 28 March, with all nominees' works on display from 15 March to 11 May.

The four nominees for the NN Art Award 2025 are:

• Bodil Ouédraogo (Prospects) – sculptures created from 3D-printed PLA, aluminium, and crystal, in collaboration with professional studios.
• Pris Roos (Mini Galerie) – a series of drawings exploring identity, migration, and memory, accompanied by large cardboard installations.
• Marcos Kueh (Prospects, courtesy of Galerie Ron Mandos) – woven installations connecting heritage and contemporary narratives.
• Diana Scherer (andriesse eyck galerie) – works from Interwoven, a project examining the domestication of plant root systems.

How to buy art at Art Rotterdam?

If you're an art lover or collector looking to buy art, this is also a great opportunity to do so. To check out the available art beforehand, visit GalleryViewer.com. The site displays the online catalogue of Art Rotterdam prior to the fair's opening. This catalogue includes all the works of art exhibited by participating galleries, including their price range, a short biography, videos and recommendations. GalleryViewer.com is Art Rotterdam's online platform, specially built to support potential art buyers. The site maintains an extensive database of artworks, exhibitions, and artist profiles. More than 45 participating galleries have been chosen for their high-quality selection.  

Location: Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy is situated in the south of the city and is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, and car. It is located near Zuidplein metro station, with direct connections to Rotterdam Central Station.

_{Image: A teddy bear from a Lebensborn home. Washington DC, USA, July 2023 © Angeniet Berkers}

From 22 February to 29 June 2025 | Anansi the Spider, the clever trickster of West African folklore, takes centre stage at Kunsthal Rotterdam. This family-friendly exhibition showcases vibrant illustrations, interactive activities, and the cultural journey of Anansi’s tales through history.

Anansi the Spider at Kunsthal Rotterdam

From 22 February to 29 June 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam presents Anansi the Spider, an exhibition dedicated to the well-known folktale character. Originating from West Africa and passed down through generations in the Caribbean, Suriname, and the Netherlands, Anansi’s stories highlight themes of cleverness and resilience. The exhibition in Hall 7 features illustrations from the picture books of writer Iven Cudogham, created by MoldyByrd Studio, alongside interactive elements for children and families.

A playful and interactive experience

The exhibition introduces visitors to Anansi’s world through games, puzzles, and creative activities. Children can participate in a memory game, a treasure hunt, interactive storytelling, and a drawing competition. The colourful illustrations, inspired by traditional African textiles and clothing, bring the stories to life. Food also plays a role in Anansi’s adventures, depicted in illustrations featuring tropical fruits and Surinamese cuisine.

The legacy of Anansi's stories

Anansi’s tales have been passed down for centuries, not only as entertainment but also as a way to teach language and values. During the transatlantic slave trade, the stories travelled to the Caribbean and Suriname, where they were secretly preserved by enslaved people. In the 20th century, they made their way to the Netherlands, where they gained popularity in written form. The exhibition includes historical Anansi publications, such as works by Johan Ferrier, Suriname’s first president and a well-known storyteller.

About Iven Cudogham

Iven Cudogham, originally from Paramaribo, Suriname, is a storyteller and author of a popular series of Anansi picture books. His work, aimed at young readers, captures the wit and wisdom of the legendary spider. Since 2021, Cudogham has also been involved in literacy programmes for primary schools. His book Anansi de spin – Sterker dan Olifant (Anansi the Spider – Stronger than Elephant) was featured in the Dutch Kinderboekenweek (national children’s book week) in 2022. With over 130,000 copies sold, his books have introduced many children to the legendary trickster. The stories have also been adapted for the stage, and plans for a feature film are in development.

Exhibition location and directions

The exhibition is hosted at Kunsthal Rotterdam, located in Museumpark, a cultural hub near the city centre. Easily accessible by tram, metro, and bike, the area is home to several major museums and green spaces, making it a great destination for a day out.