Silhouette art exhibition at Dordts Patriciërshuis

Silhouette art exhibition at Dordts Patriciërshuis

A glimpse into the past: Dordrecht's Patriciërshuis Museum unveils the art of silhouettes, connecting history with the present.

Exploring the silhouette art at Dordts Patriciërshuis

Dordrecht's Patriciërshuis, a historic museum home, is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the art of silhouette until 13 March. Visitors have the opportunity to wander freely through the house, immersing themselves in the lives of affluent traders and officials from the 18th and 19th centuries. The exhibition allows guests to engage directly with the period's furnishings, admire the grand dinnerware and various artworks up close, and even 'touch' the Maas river from the summer kitchen. Additionally, the Patriciërshuis surprises its visitors with displays of silhouette paintings, prints, and cut-out artworks, a form of art that enjoyed immense popularity among the well-to-do bourgeoisie of the time.

The craft of silhouette portraits in history

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, creating silhouette portraits, whether cut, drawn, or painted, was a widespread practice in Western Europe. This form of portraiture was not only quicker but also significantly cheaper than oil painting. Wealthy merchants, traders, and officials would often invite itinerant artists to their homes to capture the likenesses of family, loved ones, and possessions in silhouette. The artists, known as 'profilists,' were adept at quickly grasping and depicting an individual's character in these profiles, making silhouette art a form of entertainment at parties and social gatherings by emphasizing playful aspects of a person's character traits and posture.

Modern interpretations of historical silhouettes

The Patriciërshuis showcases various forms of this art, including cut-out art, painted portraits on everyday objects, and historical reference works with copies of painted silhouettes from the 18th and 19th centuries. A small photo exhibition in the basement highlights how contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from historical silhouette and portrait art. Among the displayed works is a portrait of former Queen Beatrix by Vincent Mentzel, which served as the basis for her silhouette seen on the euro coin. The portraits by Sebiha Öztas capture the essence of their subjects, revealing dreams, desires, character traits, and emotions through simplicity and power.

Visiting the Dordts Patriciërshuis

The Patriciërshuis, with its elegant period rooms and 18th-century decor, provides an ideal backdrop for the 'Kopstukken uit de schaduw' (Leading figures out of the shadows) exhibition. Among its collection of objects and paintings, the highlight is the circular Maas room, offering a stunning view over Europe's busiest three-river point.

The Dordts Patriciërshuis is situated along Wolwevershaven, easily accessible for those interested in experiencing a slice of history amidst the bustling waterways of the Netherlands. The area around the museum is known for its picturesque setting, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich maritime and trading history of Dordrecht.

Rotterdam Art Week 2024 at Brutus

Rotterdam Art Week 2024 at Brutus

A unique fusion of art and architecture unfolds at Brutus, showcasing the innovative works of Folkert de Jong and Marjan Teeuwen.

Rotterdam welcomes innovative art installations

Folkert de Jong and Marjan Teeuwen's latest works unveiled at Brutus

From 27 January 2024, Brutus will host two remarkable exhibitions, featuring the thought-provoking styrofoam sculptures of Folkert de Jong in "The hero, the villain, and the truth" and Marjan Teeuwen's eleventh architectural installation, "Verwoest Huis Brutus". These exhibitions offer a unique blend of theatrical presentation and architectural deconstruction, inviting visitors to explore the boundaries of art and architecture.

The hero, the villain, and the truth

This exhibition showcases Folkert de Jong's life-sized figures crafted from insulation materials such as styrofoam and polyurethane foam, arranged in a dramatic setting. By depicting distorted versions of historical figures, including Luther, Jesus, Mary, Snoop Dogg, and Queen Wilhelmina, de Jong challenges viewers to reconsider the narratives of history and its alternate possibilities. The exhibition runs until 31 March.

Marjan Teeuwen transforms demolition sites into artMarjan Teeuwen transforms demolition sites into art

Verwoest Huis Brutus

Marjan Teeuwen transforms demolition sites into art, working globally from Gaza to Rotterdam-Noord. At Brutus, she has created a semi-permanent architectural installation in a previously sealed, daylight-deprived space. Teeuwen's deconstructive approach culminates in a brutalist installation, striving for perfection through the arrangement of two uneven squares.

Brutus during Rotterdam Art Week 2024

The official opening of the Rotterdam Art Week at Brutus on 30 January 2024 will feature Fons Hof (director of RAW). The event highlights the "Transitions: Navigating Humanity in a Shifting Reality" exhibition, curated by The New Current, which provides a platform for 24 emerging talents. Additionally, Brutus Lab opens its doors, showcasing the works of its residents, including recent RM Young Blood Foundation awardees. The program also includes "The Elysian Field" by Atelier Van Lieshout and the "Snoeshanen" exhibition at Brutus Next Door, culminating in the RAW Afterparty hosted in collaboration with Operator.

About Brutus

Established in 2008 by Joep van Lieshout as AVL Mundo, Brutus stands as the Netherlands' largest contemporary art institution, operating independently since 2023. Located at Keileweg 10 to 18, within a transformative creative harbor area, Brutus spans 6,000m^2 of raw exhibition space. It serves as a playground for artists to experiment across all disciplines, from sculpture to performance, merging established international names with emerging talents.

Brutus is situated in the dynamic Keileweg area, known for its creative and transformative energy. Visitors can easily reach the venue by public transport or by car, with ample parking available. The area around Brutus is characterized by its industrial heritage and contemporary creative ventures, making it a must-visit destination for art and architecture enthusiasts.

'May we keep in touch': A unique art experience

'May we keep in touch': A unique art experience

A journey back to tangible connections unfolds at the Groot Handelsgebouw with Sonja Mercedes' exhibition 'May we keep in touch'.

Exhibition invites rediscovery of physical touch

On 11 January, the Groot Handelsgebouw in Rotterdam unveiled 'May we keep in touch', an exhibition by Sonja Mercedes that explores intimacy and human connections. This distinctive showcase, curated by the talented photographer, encourages visitors to re-evaluate the significance of physical touch in an era dominated by digital interactions. The exhibition is accessible until April 2024.

Art sparking conversations

Mercedes' passion for capturing her surroundings led her to photography. Her work, initially a quest for tangible memories, has become central to her art, focusing on the extraordinary beauty hidden in the mundane. Mercedes aims to initiate discussions, urging her audience to pause and appreciate life's details.

Sonja Mercedes' new exhibit opens in RotterdamSonja Mercedes' new exhibit opens in Rotterdam

Emphasis on touch

'May we keep in touch' features a collection of works from various projects that convey different aspects of physical contact, presented as Mercedes' most personal collection to date. Exhibited on translucent fabrics, the installation invites attendees to interact with the pieces, thereby becoming part of the experience and exploring the concept of touch themselves. Mercedes seeks to highlight moments of connection and offer a break from the daily routine.

Experience the exhibition

Following a successful launch filled with emotions, laughter, and meaningful conversations, the public is warmly invited to experience this unique exhibition at the Groot Handelsgebouw, available until April 2024.

Explore human connections at Groot HandelsgebouwExplore human connections at Groot Handelsgebouw

About Groot Handelsgebouw

The Groot Handelsgebouw (GHG), positioned at the heart of Rotterdam's city centre and adjacent to the Central Station, houses a vibrant community of over 450 businesses. Built in 1953, the GHG symbolizes Rotterdam's post-war reconstruction and stands as one of the Netherlands' largest commercial buildings. Managed by Jamestown, the building is at the forefront of various projects aimed at revitalizing the property while preserving its heritage and fostering collaboration, innovation, and community engagement

Discover Rotterdam's landmarks and unbuilt projects

Discover Rotterdam's landmarks and unbuilt projects

An exclusive opportunity to explore Rotterdam's architectural marvels through maquette models of existing landmarks as well as unrealized projects during Art Rotterdam at the Van Nelle Factory.

Open maquette depot offers a glimpse into Rotterdam's architectural heritage

During Art Rotterdam on 1 and 2 February, Nieuwe Instituut's Open Maquette Depot at the Van Nelle Factory will be accessible to visitors, offering a rare insight into both celebrated and unrealized Rotterdam buildings through its collection of approximately 700 maquettes. This event marks a unique occasion as the depot is usually not open to the public, and entry will be free of charge.

The orange-coloured maquette depot, part of the State Collection for Dutch Architecture and Urban Planning managed by the New Institute, contains around four million items including design drawings and other archival materials from some of the Netherlands' most renowned architects. The collection represents a significant component of Dutch architectural history.

Unlike a museum, the depot primarily serves as a workspace for collection managers to perform restorations and prepare loans and transport for exhibitions. Its design, a vast climate-controlled cabinet of 460 m2 created by Broekbakema architects and placed within the Schiehal of the Van Nelle Factory in 2005, is an architectural feat in itself.

Discover Rotterdam's landmarks and unbuilt projectsDiscover Rotterdam's landmarks and unbuilt projects

Unique view of Rotterdam's buildings

The depot showcases a selection of both large-scale models and smaller, fragile pieces from Dutch design heritage, including unrealized projects. Notably, Rotterdam's architectural landmarks are well represented, featuring models such as the colossal plaster competition models for the new city hall from 1912, the Markthal, the Paperklip, café De Unie, the Beursgebouw, the Rivierahal of Blijdorp, the Industriegebouw, and designs for the Putselaan, the Müllerpier, and the Witte Dorp, as well as a model of the New Institute itself.

Discover Rotterdam's landmarks and unbuilt projectsDiscover Rotterdam's landmarks and unbuilt projects

Visiting information

The Open Maquette Depot can be visited during Art Rotterdam on Thursday, 1 February, from 16:00 to 19:00, and Friday, 2 February, from 10:00 to 19:00. Entry is free, and no Art Rotterdam ticket is required. Collection managers will be on hand for tours and questions. The depot is located in Schiehal A at the Van Nelle Design Factory, Van Nelleweg 1, Rotterdam. For more information, please visit the New Institute's website.

In addition, the New Institute is currently hosting 'Netherlands on the Drawing Board', an exhibition celebrating the rich Dutch history of spatial planning and design, commemorating the centenary of the State Collection.

Directions to the Van Nelle Factory

The Van Nelle Factory, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an emblem of modernist architecture, is situated on the outskirts of Rotterdam. It's easily accessible by public transport, bike, or car. For visitors coming by public transport, buses and trams connect the factory to Rotterdam's central areas, making it a straightforward journey for those attending the Open Maquette Depot.

Femke Kock art exhibition at the Euromast

Femke Kock art exhibition at the Euromast

A unique exhibition by artist Femke Kock takes art to new heights at the Euromast, celebrating Rotterdam's cultural diversity.

Unique exhibition by Femke Kock at the Euromast

A tribute to Rotterdam's rich cultural diversity, an exhibition featuring ten original works by artist Femke Kock, will be showcased at the Euromast from 31 January through 16 April 2024. High-quality reproductions of these works will be displayed on the outdoor viewing platform, allowing the visitors to enjoy them against the backdrop of the city skyline. The originals will be hung in the Euromast's restaurant during the exhibition period.

Femke Kock's exhibition reflects her vision of the city through three themes: 'Resilience and Renewal of Rotterdam', 'Cultural Diversity', and 'City Icons and Personalities'. These themes offer a journey through the city's past and present, highlighting its post-World War II reconstruction, the impressive skyline, and local heroes like Jules Deelder. Kock's vibrant style, inspired by pop art, street art, and graffiti, resonates with Rotterdam's dynamic character and the Euromast itself.

Opening event

The exhibition will officially open on Wednesday, 31 January, from 15:00 – 16:00, just before the Rotterdam Art Week, showcasing the ten paintings in the Euromast restaurant. Following the opening, a section of the restaurant will be opened to the public to view the original works, with Femke Kock available until 20:30 to engage with art enthusiasts. The photographed works, presented on large aluminium plates, will be on display from 31 January at the outdoor viewing platform, offering a unique perspective of the city.

Cultural highlights

Visitors can combine their exhibition experience with a ride in the Euroscoop, Europe's highest panoramic lift, where stories about the city complement the visual journey of the exhibition. This event marks a cultural highlight and tribute to colourful Rotterdam.

About the Euromast

An internationally renowned icon since 1960, the Euromast stands as one of Rotterdam's tallest buildings, offering a unique 360-degree perspective of the city. From its Brasserie to the concept store and the recently upgraded Euroscoop with a unique glass floor, the Euromast provides a comprehensive day out. Adventurous visitors can abseil 100 meters down from the viewing platform balustrade between May and September, with exclusive abseils available upon request all year round. Since 2020, the Euromast has been part of Magnicity, a global leader in urban tourism at great heights, spotlighting iconic towers worldwide and offering visitors a unique city experience.

Directions to the Euromast

For those planning to visit the exhibition, the Euromast is located in the heart of Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transportation or car. Nestled in the Parkhaven area, it's a landmark that's hard to miss.

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