exhibition

Threads of Nature

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Exhibition

 

 

Threads of Nature:
Textile Inspirations
A Duo Exhibition by Ailsa Anastatia
and Sandra Golbert - de Aldrey

 

Opening October 14

 

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – Landhuis Bloemhof is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, "Threads of Nature: Textile Inspirations" featuring the dynamic and captivating works of two talented artists – local artist Ailsa Anastatia and USA fiber artist Sandra Golbert - de Aldrey.

"Threads of Nature: Textile Inspirations" is a must-see exhibition that brings together the unique perspectives of two artists, each with a deep commitment to exploring the intricate connections between humanity and the environment. The exhibition will open on October 14 at 10:30 AM at Landhuis Bloemhof in the presence of both artists and will be showing until November 25, 2023.  

The artists: Sandra Golbert - de Aldrey / Ailsa Anastatia
Sandra Golbert - de Aldrey, a self-taught master of fiber art, takes viewers on a colorful voyage with her hand-dyed silk, surface design and fabric manipulation. From her early days designing dolls' clothes, which she still does and sells on Etsy, to having her designs grace the pages of ‘Vogue’ magazine and ‘Architectural Digest’, Golbert's artistic journey has been nothing short of exceptional. Her artwork, which began on the body; designing costumes for carnivals and for Broadway theater and dresses for debutants and brides, now adorns large hotel walls and spaces. Sandra, who was born in Puerto Rico, has a special connection with Curacao. She used to live on the island in the 70’s where she would spend her days creating for commissions, shows and exhibitions. With a deep love for the sea and vibrant tropical flora, Golbert's art embodies the essence of island life while seamlessly integrating neutral tones in her silk creations. Sandra participated in many exhibitions, solo and group, throughout the years like the exhibition titled “9x9x3” at the American Craft Museum (now the Museum of Art and Design) in New York City. This show traveled throughout the US for 4 years. She also has a piece in the Zimmerli Museum at Rutgers University, in the permanent collection of the National Association of Women Artists. Her work can be found in many countries, in residences, corporate offices and hotels in the USA, the Caribbean, South America and in Puerto Rico.

Ailsa Anastatia attended the Fontys School of Fine and Performing Arts before finalizing her formal education at the Amsterdam University of the Arts in The Netherlands. Anastatia has many solo and group exhibitions under her belt and her artwork is displayed in collections in the USA, South America, the Caribbean, and The Netherlands. Anastatia is a versatile artist that explores diverse themes, from spirituality and memories to cultural heritage and ecological issues impacting Curaçao. Ailsa Anastatia, in her recent series titled "Resilient Horizons", made possible by the Prins Bernhard Cultuur Fonds, invites viewers to pass through her artistic journey that interweaves untouched landscapes with human-altered ones. Her works thoughtfully narrate Curaçao's evolving landscapes and emphasize the importance of acknowledging historical imprints while fostering optimism for the future. 

Event
To learn more about the interplay of fabric, texture, and the profound connection between art and nature, we invite you to meet both artists on Tuesday October 17 at 7 PM. Sandra Golbert - de Aldrey will also be talking about silk painting.

Landhuis Bloemhof
Landhuis Bloemhof is a cultural center located in Curaçao, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts and culture. Through exhibitions, workshops, and events, Landhuis Bloemhof serves as a platform for artists and creatives to showcase their talents and engage with the community.

Join us at Landhuis Bloemhof from October 14 to November 25, 2023, to experience the artistry of Ailsa Anastatia and Sandra Golbert - de Aldrey in this exceptional exhibition. For more information, please visit www.landhuisbloemhof.com, Santa Rosaweg 6, 7375775.

Lanta!

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Exhibition

 
 

Lanta!
Roberto Tjon A Meeuw

Repurposed

 

August 26 till October 7

 

Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of Roberto Tjon A Meeuw as Landhuis Bloemhof invites you to embark on a transformative journey through his latest exhibition titled Lanta! This mixed media exhibition featuring creations made with washed up plastic and wood, iron and paint is set to open on Saturday, August 26 at 11 AM at Landhuis Bloemhof. Lanta! will grace the art scene until October 7th, offering visitors a chance to delve into the multifaceted art of Tjon A Meeuw.

Eco-messenger
Roberto's creations echo a profound message - an urgent call to restore harmony with nature. He stands as a messenger and artist-philosopher whose every creation births a dialogue between humanity and its natural habitat. Tjon A Meeuw beckons us to reimagine, repurpose, and rediscover the relationship between humans and the environment. His works are testament to the spirit of an artist on a mission to reshape the world.

Events
During the exhibition Roberto Tjon A Meeuw will be present in the garden of Landhuis Bloemhof on Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. He will be working during the mornings, and anyone interested is welcome to join in and create a piece for the Whimsical Tree in Bloemhof's courtyard. Additionally, a Meet the Artist evening will be organized during which Roberto will discuss the messages conveyed by his works and engage with the audience in discussions about tangible actions taken on the island. Lastly, the exhibition will culminate in a festive closing with musical beats by Roberto and Mathijs Rijne, renowned particularly in the Netherlands for fusing local traditional music with a modern twist.

About the artist
Hailing originally from Suriname, Roberto Tjon A Meeuw has enriched the creative tapestry of Curaçao for nearly 12 years. He has various exhibitions under his belt in Curaçao, Suriname, Tobago and The Netherlands. Furthermore, he worked on many special projects like building a playground out of recycled materials, furniture for restaurants and establishments, commissioned murals and creative workshops in Curaçao and Suriname. 

Renowned for his art installations crafted from repurposed materials, Roberto's most well-known work in Curaçao stands proudly as the 9-meter-long "Piská." Nestled within the heart of the Scharloo neighborhood, this recycled fish takes center stage in Parke Leyba.

The idea behind "Piská" emerged from Roberto's deep-seated concern for marine pollution plaguing our shores. Rallying island schoolchildren to partake, Roberto orchestrated the birth of a plastic art piece which underscores the power of collective action.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Roberto's identity is intertwined with the rhythm of the waves, a seasoned surfer who bridges his artistic pursuits with his role as a stay-at-home father. His home remains his sanctuary. Within these premises his sons bear witness to his creative process. In Roberto's philosophy, being a father and an artist seamlessly intertwine. His aspirations were always rooted in awakening consciousness. His creations serve as vessels to realign humanity's trajectory, reflecting the urgency to reconcile with nature. 

Lanta! will be showing until October 7th, 2023. Landhuis Bloemhof, Santa Rosaweg 6, open from Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. For more information: info@bloemhof.cw or call/whatsapp (5999) 7375775. 

Sorry,…

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Exhibition

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry,...

 

June 30 till August 19

 

ART Exhibition 'Sorry,...' reflecting on Dutch slave trade apology 

The thought-provoking exhibition 'Sorry,...' opened on June 30th, Landhuis Bloemhof, with inspiring artworks by 19 contributors. The inauguration featured performances by Nohely Simon, Ralph Winedt and Nathania Engelhardt.

Visitors have the opportunity to engage with the artists, gain insights into their creative processes, and discover the profound narratives interwoven within their works. The exhibition 'Sorry,...' will be on display until August 19.

About 'Sorry,...'
The exhibition derives its name from the historic apology made on December 19, 2022, by the Dutch Kingdom's Prime Minister, Mr. Mark Rutte, acknowledging the role the Dutch government played over time in the slave trade that deeply impacted Curaçao and many other countries. 'Sorry,...' invites visitors to explore the artists' personal perspectives on the apology and its significance in a variety of art forms, including mixed media, paintings, ceramic, stone and wooden sculptures, and more. Each artwork delves into the complex and emotional layers surrounding this historical event, fostering dialogue and understanding.

Artists
'Sorry,...' showcases a variety of art works by Ailsa Anastatia, Bethyamin van Nieuwenhuijzen, Ellen Spijkstra, Esther Reyerse, Gerlof Bouma, Miah de Sousa, Gwen Anderson, Kemuël Sandries, Laica Leito, Maghalie George, Margarita Haakmat, Nohely Simon, Paul Senders, Pito Polo, Raily Yance, Richard Doest, Rochelle Monte, Rose Ann Ignacio and Ruthson Cecilia.

You can see the online catalogue here.

Events
'Sorry,...' will be on until August 19, allowing ample time for visitors to delve into the diverse range of artworks and contemplate their personal responses. Throughout the exhibition, several events will take place.

The highlights of the events include:
A Travelling Dialogue started on July 2nd in Otrobanda, continuing each week at a different locations. It's an interactive dialogue session inviting the public to share perspectives on the apology and the ongoing impact of slave trading. This event is presented in collaboration with Gray Area -audiovisual & artistic production - and Carrying Narratives
Dates are July 2 Brionplein- Otrobanda, July 14 Mi Lucha Snack- Santa Maria, July 22 Sentro di Bario Montaña and July 30 at Kas di Kuenta in Santa Cruz. All dialogues from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Family Names Lecture on July 8th was an interactive presentation by Christel Monsanto about the origin of family names in Curaçao, exploring their connections to the island's history. The presentation is conducted mainly in Dutch but not excluding Papiamentu and English.

Our closing event, Sorry,... on Stage on August 11th is a multidisciplinary event brought to you by musicians, thinkers, dancers, writers and performers of Curaçao. Some are young, some are older, some are well known and some are underground talents. Read more.

Schreeuw van de Stilte / Avondlicht (Cry of Silence / Evening Light)

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Exhibition

Schreeuw van de Stilte - Avondlicht
Cry of Silence- Evening Light

 

 

Opening Saturday May 20

 

Showing new oil paintings by Wilson Garcia and assemblages by Ria Houwen.

Ode to friendship
This first duo exhibition is based on the longtime friendship between Garcia and Houwen and at the same time it is an expression of their mutual respect for each other’s artistic careers. Both are well-known and successful artists, with strong ties to Curaçao, who have known each other for years, but never exhibited their art together.

Garcia, through his oil paintings, advocates for Curaçao's artistic legacy. In Schreeuw van de Stilte (Cry of Silence), he wants to pay respect to those who paved foundations on artistic and creative levels. This is a cry to remind others not to forget them. "With my paintings, I want to honor Pacheco Domacassé, Diana Lebacs, Ced Ride, and also my wife, Ria Garcia. People who have inspired me and continue to inspire me."

For Houwen, Avondlicht (Evening Light) means the light that slips away. A last gentle touch. "It is an ode to a lifelong friendship, where memories are safely locked in the heart, and then suddenly surface, along with the realization of how precious they are. It's like life in mythological times, light-footed, as if you're being lifted. Friendships had wings. Now there is only a light, a last glow and a feeling of gratitude."

In Avondlicht, Ria Houwen presents a collection of assemblages called "Pandora's Box” which she first exhibited in 2002. These are small boxes, some slightly open and others wide open. They invite you to peek and examine closer. The boxes are transformed by recycled mixed media. Worn, torn, and old materials of which their history is still palpable. According to Houwen, these objects are the key to unlocking the secrets of the subconscious, a gateway to ancient times, myths, and fairy tales that still hold power today. They bear witness to lives once lived in a distant, forgotten world of dreams, desires, and dramas.

Wilson Garcia: colorful connections between people

Wilson Garcia is a Curaçaoan artist who has made a name for himself in education and in the art world on the island. He worked for years as a coordinator and teacher at the Akademia di Arte and as a visual arts teacher at the Akademia Pedagógiko. He also taught children aged 5 to 15 years old, promoting their creative minds. In addition, he illustrated numerous children's books and postage stamps for the Antillean postal service.

Even after his retirement, Garcia remains actively involved in education, for example through his work for the Fundashon Material pa Skol. In the Netherlands, he worked for the Institute for the Development of School Childcare. With his art and his commitment to education, Garcia has made a lasting contribution to the cultural richness of Curaçao and beyond.

In 2000, he moved to the Netherlands, where he continued painting. Garcia's art is personal and invites connection. He captures human interactions in his own characteristic way through sensual ton-sur-ton images. By directly mixing oil paint on the canvas, subtle transitions and nuances emerge in his work.

About Ria Houwen
Ria Houwen, a Dutch artist who called Curaçao her home for many years, is a fascinating and dynamic creator whose art has caught the attention of both local and international audiences. She taught at the Akademia di Arte, later became an art teacher at Radulphus College, and gave workshops both at home and on location.

Houwen's journey began at the Academy of Fine Arts in the Netherlands. She arrived in Curaçao in 1972, and soon thereafter made a name for herself in the local art scene with her first exhibition at 'galerie rg' in Punda in 1975. Since then, her work has taken her to many local and international exhibitions, establishing her name in the art world.

Houwen's work reflects her own personality, characterized by a remarkable tension between eroticism and spiritual life. This connects deeply with the Caribbean world where magic and reality are interwoven in a web of complexity. Her paintings reflect on the drama of the personal soul and connects it with the drama of the island, creating a stunning and unforgettable artistic experience.

 

In the Flow

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Exhibition

 

In the Flow
by Gwen Anderson

 

 

Opening Saturday April 8

 

In the Flow, the first solo exhibition in Curaçao by multi-disciplinary artist Gwen Anderson features a selection of mixed media artworks covering different periods of her artistic journey.

Journey through Art
In 2006 Gwen Anderson re-emerged in her artistic element when living in New York after she joined the Art Students League.  In 2008 she moved to London where she kept her artistic rhythm by joining various courses in a variety of disciplines such as mixed media painting, experimental drawing, fine art photography, live drawing and art history. In 2010 she enrolled at The Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Media and Design at the Metropolitan University in London, where she later attended the Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design, and completed her Masters in Fine Arts (Hons), Merit in 2014. During her stay in London she participated in many exhibitions, alternating between London and Curaçao.

When she moved to Tokyo the next year, she immersed herself into travelling, creating art and participating in exhibitions.  In 2018 she moved back to Curaçao where she continued creating art and participated in many group exhibitions to this day.

In the Flow
As a multi-disciplinary artist, Gwen’s work is driven by bottomless curiosity. She has a background in science, which explains her constant urge to experiment. She pushes boundaries in her use of materials and techniques, exploring the relationship between order and chaos.

The paintings exhibited in this show, consist of multiple layers. In some of the works she uses silver leaf as a ‘clean slate’ on which colors, figures or images reflect themselves. The grids of tarnished silver leaf organize a silence onto which forms, or photographic images are placed as output from lifetime impressions. Other works are layers of encaustic, pigment, ink and shellac. The unpredictable nature of the materials and the hypnotic flame of her torch, help her to disappear into a meditative, focused state as she creates.

“My intention is to share the feeling of enchantment and tension that I experience in the creative process with my viewers. By layering different elements, forms and images, I aim to evoke a sense of watching things change in nature, and to allow the viewer to change their own thoughts and memories as time passes. My pieces all have a story to tell, but they are your stories, not mine.”

The Experience
On April 29 she will guide a workshop in the ‘pouring’ technique which will take place at Landhuis Bloemhof.
On May 6 you are welcome to visit her studio where you get a glimpse and feel of where she experiments artistically.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until May 13 in Landhuis Bloemhof.

 

Quit My Job, Paint Your Life

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Exhibition

 

 

Quit My Job, Paint Your Life

 

 

First solo exhibition by Chris Peralta
Opening Saturday January 13
Extended to April 1

Peralta's first solo exhibition Quit my job, Paint your life extended until April 1st

The past 5 weeks we look back at a very successful exhibition. The artist did not only sell almost all his paintings, but he also gained recognition for his artworks and the topics they triggered. For all the Peralta fans out there, stay tuned for part two of Quit my job, Paint your life with new work and more food for thought.

Peralta is a self-taught multi-disciplinary artist with a background in music, poetry and audiovisual storytelling. He stepped on the artistic stage back in 2016 when he returned from studying abroad. Since then, he actively joined the art scene, participated in many art manifestations, took part in the film production Watamula by director Kevin Osepa and performed in various poetry and storytelling events.

In 2018, Peralta rediscovered a new passion for painting and joined the IBB. The little time there helped him identify what he wants and from then on he continued to explore the world of visual arts and further develop a style of his own.

Peralta continued to hone his skills and find his artistic voice at Uniarte, where he has been an active member till 2021. In addition to his own work, Peralta is also a member of the community-driven collective Malsamaritano, where he and other young artists create and collaborate on a variety of projects, from music to pop-up events and community work.

Peralta is an artist that’s always been on the art radar at Landhuis Bloemhof. He participated in various events and group exhibitions. A studio visit in late 2021 gave us a more in depth look at his art and him as a person. Peralta is a free spirit with depth, introspective and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. His painting style already knows different phases: from abstract to surrealism to realism with fantasy elements. What makes his work interesting is the use of different media and techniques.

As of August 2022 we noticed a shift in his painting style, especially in his color palette, figures, technique and composition. This transitional period resulted in an interesting self-discovery that was propelled and influenced by his new found loves: his partner and recently born son.

"I'm excited to share my work with the community and invite people to experience my journey through art," says Peralta. "The exhibition's title, 'Quit My Job, Paint Your Life,' reflects my decision to pursue my passion for art full-time and the importance of following your dreams and living a life that is true to yourself."

Lus riba Nanzi

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Exhibition

Lus riba Nanzi

 

 

Opening Saturday December 10
Group exhibition about the legendary spider Nanzi till January 8

 

'Lus riba Nanzi', a group exhibition dedicated to a legendary character from our oral literature, Kompa Nanzi is showing this Holiday season in Landhuis Bloemhof. For this theme exhibition we asked our artists to depict what Nanzi means to them in a work of art. Does Nanzi still have a right to exist? Who or what is it?

So far, 16 artists have responded:  Aemy Niafeliz, Alejandra Cijntje, Annemieke Dicke, Anna Lies Bruens, Team Nieuwkerk & Nieuwenhuizen, Giovanni Abath, Gwen Anderson, Hilma Koelman, Jaimary Boon, Kati Qui, Margarita Haakmat, Marianne Hagedoorn, Pito Polo, Ruthson Cecilia, Solaica Leito and Tayenne Winklaar. They surprised us with a great variety of paintings, sculptures, installations and mixed media artworks inspired by Nanzi.

To give merit to the unpredictable character of Kompa Nanzi, we are approaching this exhibit differently and called it a growing exhibition. Artists who after visiting us feel inspired, can still enter their contribution during the month of December. In any case, we start with 16 art works and are anxiously waiting to see who else will participate.

Art for the Roses

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Exhibition

Art for the Roses

 

 

Art for the Roses Exhibition and Silent Auction
Digital Catalogue available
Dinner Auction Rescheduled to Saturday March 18, 2023

 

We are very thankful to the 36 mainly local visual artists who have contributed to make this fundraising exhibition possible. The assignment was to create, especially for this cause - cancer awareness - a work of art in which (an element of) a rose is incorporated. The exhibition Art for the Roses resulted in a colorful stroll through all kinds of emotions, very diverse, and consists of paintings, drawings, collages, photography, mixed media art and sculptures.

Silent Art Auction Prolonged
During the last four weeks many people participated in the Silent Auction which started on October 22 with a minimum bid of Nafl 500 on each artwork. Though the exhibition closes next week and the formal dinner auction is now planned for March 18, you can still contribute to this fundraiser.
The bidding book on our grand piano awaits your generous contributions to raise funds for the fight against cancer. The exhibition will be on till November 26. If for whatever reason you cannot make it, please check our digital catalogue, on our website which we will update every Tuesday or click on the link to view it.

We regret any inconvenience these date changes may have caused. More details to follow closer to the date.

Personalities

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Exhibition

 

 

Personalities
by Annemieke Dicke

 

 

Opening Friday September 2

 

Personalities is Annemieke Dicke her first solo exhibition at Landhuis Bloemhof and features a collection of paintings, oil as well as acrylic accompanied by ceramic objects.

Artist
In 1985 Annemieke attended the Academy of Art Constantijn Huygen in Kampen, the Netherlands followed by the Academy of Arts in Enschede, which she finished in 1991. After moving to Curaçao she got her teachers degree at UNA, the University of the Netherlands Antilles, in 2006.

Annemieke Dicke is an established artist with an impressive art career. She is mostly known for her ceramic work. She developed her own style and technique through attending a large variety of courses and classes she followed in The Netherlands, Curaçao, Italy and The United States. Annemieke participated in various exhibitions in Curaçao as well as abroad. Her works are part of many private art collections including the Dutch Royal House.

Personalities
During the second lockdown, Annemieke decided to start painting again. Something she hadn’t done in a long time. During this period, she focused on painting portraits of people while putting emphasis on studying and refining her technique. This challenge she put for herself slowly evolved to the exhibition on display at Landhuis Bloemhof.

Personalities consists of portrait paintings using oil or acrylic paint. One of these portraits is titled ‘Shine’ and is inspired by a theater student that Annemieke met at Pietermaai Art Spaces (PAS), where she teaches art and ceramics classes to youngsters and adults five times a week. 'Shine’ is a wall-covering expression of the model's many colors and energy, it portrays a figure with male characteristics based on elements of Frida Khalo. For Annemieke it is important to get to know the individual better during the portrait painting process. And this student was no exception. “I need that personal connection to paint a portrait”, adds Annemieke.

Resilience
The last few years were tumultuous for the artist. In a short period of time her long-term relationship ended, her father died and she had to give up her house and her precious studio, Artis Magistra 22 where she used to work and teach. In the harsh years that followed she was left without a space to call her home or her studio. Two years ago her luck changed and she now has her own home/studio and the space to create. Annemieke is home again.

‘Personalities’ is Annemieke’s first solo exhibition at Landhuis Bloemhof after this transformation. ‘Personalities’ will be showing till October 8th.

 

TABOO III

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Exhibition

TABOO III
Group Exhibition challenging  us

 

 

Opening Saturday July 23

 

In the past few years, we have experienced a lot of new things happening worldwide. Things we took for granted in our way of life were challenged in many ways. These changes, or shifts, sometimes released long established taboos from being taboo and introduced new taboos where there were none before.

The Covid pandemic alone put many of us at a distance from each other through new personal, moral, hygiene and privacy values in dealing with the (side)effects of this worldwide virus. We have seen the rise of an unprecedented cancellation culture, the introduction of #me too for abuse, the start of the Black Lives Matter movement, massive migrations all over the world, the growing use and abuse of social media platforms, the loss of power in the traditional mainstream media, the polarization in societies and politics and so on. All this happened in just a few years. Who can say what triggered what? Fact is, it’s all happening right now. A lot has changed and probably the end is not nearly in sight.

Taboo III
Intrigued by all the above, Landhuis Bloemhof wanted to publicly reflect on the impact hereof. An open call was sent out to our local artist community and over 30 of them took up the challenge to give us their views on the taboos of 2022.
We are extremely happy that for TABOO lll the following artists submitted their  contribution, be it a painting, a poem, a collage, a photograph, a sculpture...
Proud participants are: Alejandra Cijntje, Anna Lies Bruens, Bea Moedt, Bethyamin van Nieuwenhuizen, Carlos Blaaker, Debby Dunand, Elodie Heloise, Estela de Haseth, Esther Reyerse, Gerlof Bouma, Giovanni Abath, Hans Mader, Kati Qui, Margarita Haakmat, Merly Trappenberg, Mirelva Albertus, Mishenu Cicilia, Mishikeiru (Kenneth Engelhardt), Morgaine Parris, Nayka Capriles, Nifa Ansano, Osleida Bishop, Pito Polo, Ria Houwen, Rochelle Monte, Rose Ann Ignacio, Susan Rudolf, Suzet Rosaria, Sylvia Waterloo, Tittel del Mar and Vesuhely Americaan.

Past TABOO exhibition history
In 2012 we organized the very first TABOO exhibition, Duncan Campbell, then manager at Landhuis Bloemhof, came up with this out of the box idea that led to an exciting and challenging group exhibition.

For TABOO II, which followed in 2015 Duncan felt the time was right to 'do it again', and he curated the second edition. He asked the artists to look at taboos close to home and see if they could put them in a positive light. His approach was ‘What can a taboo do for you?’ Taboos can paralyze people, but they can also be an excellent vehicle for change, voluntarily or otherwise.

That was 2012 and 2015. Just sit still a minute and think about it, where we are now compared to then? For TABOO III, curated by Rainy Marchena, we invited the artists to share and show what they see as the new taboos anno 2022.

 TABOO III events
During the exhibition, Landhuis Bloemhof will organize several events and other activities. We will keep you posted.