Going back in time: Daniel Gould’s 3D List, Art in Amsterdam #1

Last week, red dots were breaking out all over the place at one gallery. Pity it wasn't more. But, still, it is a good sign that people are buying when they see something they like. And at this particular show the prices were not cheap!

But there are great bargains available. 3D talks to people at openings who declare that they can't afford to buy art! An absurd statement; and if they can't afford to buy art what are they doing at a gallery in the first place? One expects and hopes that artists attend shows and those who truly do love art though they don't have the resources; but there are the "others" who ignor everything but the drink table. And even if you do have a limited budget there is available to you---at participating galleries---a payment plan that allows you to pay over three years. Again, if you support an art culture you got to do so with more than a big mouth.

INDEX:

Bits & Pieces:
What You Missed Last Week:
What Is Happening This Week:

BITS & PIECES:

It was reported, on last week's 3D List, that it appeared that Minnie Mouse was looking for a new lover. An invitation reproduced a work by an artist which showed a rather raunchy Minnie. Now this report by the Walt Disney Company that Mickey is being reinvented to become "Epic Mickey." "In a forthcoming video game called 'Epic Mickey,' the character will be re-imagined as a cunning traveler in a dark wasteland...[He] has become devoid of any of the sharp edges that might define his character...After years of service as a company label, Mickey deserves a chance to let loose his id." Hey, maybe he'll win back the affections of Minnie or perhaps Daisy Duck (Donald's paramour) will take her place. Nah...she would never leave Donald; would she? (Quotes are from an editorial in the Boston Globe as seen in Int Herald Tribune, 14th Nov.)
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"RADIO RED" is calling for a little color. Moritz Ebinger (Swiss/Dutch) is going "red." He says, "I'm building a radio station completely painted in red...the sound fragmentations are also in any possible way linked to red." The "station" will broadcast from the Boijmans Museum (Rotterdam). "...You [can] make a red sound fragment...So that I can use that fragment while I'm on the air...the themes...are love, skin diseases [huh?], blood, danger, abandons, nature, blushing, erotic and art." www.moritzebinger-artprize.nl
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...And speaking of "going red," 3D found a card at the library for "The Totalitarian Art Gallery: Propaganda Art Historical Objects." It is located at Singel 87. www.sovietart.com
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There's is light at the end of the tunnel...Last week it was reported that the Netherlands is now officially out of the recession with two consecutive quarters of GDP growth. Whew. About time. On the other side of the Atlantic there is also evidence of recovery. "In one of the most stunning performances ever on the contemporary art market scene, Sotheby's sold on Wednesday [11th Nov] 52 paintings, drawings and three-dimensional works ranging from the 1950s to the present time, for a total of $134 million. This figure exceeds the highest expectations by more than a third, a rare occurance under the circumstances. The extraordinary price paid for a graphic work by Andy Warhol, $43 million, far above the $8-12 million extimate in large part accounts for the financial feat.. ["200 One Dollar Bills," 1962]. It last sold at auction in 1986 at $385,000 "which was seen at the time a huge price for what was still felt by some to be a clever publicity stunt by an artist originally in the advertsing business." (www.iht.com, 13th Nov.)

At Christies there was a similar successful sale. The 3D List reported only a week or so ago that a sale of Impressionistic work had been a big failure. Reflecting on that and these two sales it can be asssumed that Impressionism is suffering from two unavoidable facts.: A deminishing availability of quality work from the period owing to the fact that the collectors of the school are now dying out and leaving their collections to museum; and that current collectors are less interested in the period because of the lack of quality and they have more interest in the recent past.)
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The holiday gift giving time is nearly upon us. Maybe this will help to save you money. You can become "a friend of kunstweek" for 50 euro and "you will get art-presents with a value of about 400 euro." More info: https://www.kunstweek.nl
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Last Saturday, at Kunstkerk (Prinseneiland 89) there was an opening for "MEA VULVA," "an exposition as a tribute to the vagina or as the organizers put it: "'Mooi Kut." Hmmm. It was a group orgy....oops, group sex show...no, thats still not right...Anyway there was a lot of pussy...cats in attendance, maybe. 3D didn't go so he don't know...must be getting old. www.meavulva.nl
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www.korsakow.org/download announces "Version 5.O.3 for PCs and Intel Macs is now out! New features, including video export options plus lots of fixes. And, the Manual is finally completed...Share your product shortcuts so we can add them to the new Tips and Tricks page."
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Sotheby's will auction off, in Paris, "important works by the great masters of Photography, from the 19th century historical material to classical 20th century photographs and contemporary works. Gustave de Gray, August Sander, Florence Henri, Horst P. Horst, Robert Mapplethorpe, Irving Penn, David La Chapelle, et al. Friday, 20th November. http://www.sothebys.com/en.html
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WHAT YOU MISSED LAST WEEK:

Friday:

Lloyd Hotel (Oostelijke Handelskade 34) is featuring the work of Japanese artists and designers. As any vistor to the hotel has discovered there is no "lobby." You walk in the door and there is a cubicle that houses the "reception desk." Directly behind is a hallway to the rooms and an entrance door to the restaurant. As you pass into the restaurant you walk through Chikako Watanabe's installation which is interactive with the public by virute of being the restaurant's "entrance." This three by three meter "room" is the result of her artist's residency at the hotel. She combed through the historical files that trace its strange and unusual history from its opening as a quarantine center for international passengers passing through the port of Amsterdam to a "prison," with cells, to today's reincarnation as a one to four star hotel (that in itself probably makes it unique in the world).

The cubicle is a wooden skeleton modeled after identical size rooms that sometimes held an entire family. The configuration is a collection of rectangles in a modular form. The floor is a linear juxstaposition in that a large segment consists of three 50x50 cms., squares which are further divided by 16 tile squares. There are three doors each divided into geometric patterns. Along one side is a bench with a striped cushion (two series of stripes each perpendicular to the other group). While most of the wood is new several items---like the doors and tiles---come from the hotel before renovation.

On the above platforms, from the restaurant, are the work of 11 others. Fumiaki Goto is showing two miniature lights that could be used as "night lights." One is activated with a plunger like apparatus that is used to set off dynamite...You'll get a big bang from it! (www.cotogotodesign.com) ...Haruka Matsuo does work in ceramics. She has taken banal ideas like tea pots, certain animals and flowers and reconfigured them into something contemporary and attractive in an unique way. The latter process combines a Japanese technique called "Bankoyaki" and requires a wooden mold. (www.haruka.nl) ...Sayake Abe shows jewelry which is conceptual and certainly unique. Some pieces relate to a simple figurative forms while others are undefinable. A purse is truly contemporary while having a retro style relating to 1900. She shows her work in a spectacular manner. The pieces are attached to a two meter by 120 cms., scroll made of silk-like material. Each is decorated with pencil drawings. Cool. (www.sayaka.nl) ....Nozomi Kume does fashion design. A pair of 'blue jeans" has been fabricated with a 'flock print." "Blue flock print on a cotton textile. A pattern of the textile can been seen through...Wrinkles appear with colors caused by friction. The trousers gradually gain brightness and a new pattern." An example is on display. Evven more unusual are her jackets made from silicon which are pulverized by small holes which allow the material to breath, but stuffed into the lining are feathers which keep you warm. (https://nozomikume.wordpress.com)/ Until __?__
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CARHARTT Store Amsterdam (Hertenstraat 18) presents "Elzo" (Belgium). the man is living in a time warp. He has gone back to the 60s and found several schools of art he likes mainly the Pop School (think Peter Max) and Psychedelic poster art and added to this mix the grosteque imagery of the 21st centruy. So, what do you get? Vibrant, colorful, shocking, funny, disturbing, invigorating...well, that's only a few of the adjectives that describe his work. And here's the best part...For those who are always saying "I ain't go no money, honey, for art!" Yes you DO!!! Signed and numbered silkscreens: 46x64 cms., Ed. 40 @ 45 euro; 70x50 cms., Ed. 25 @ 90 euro; 120x80, b/w, Ed. 10 @ 90 euro. Hey, folks, 60s imagery along with 60s' prices. You can't beat that! Until: ____________ https://www.carhartt-wip.com/en
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Saturday:

At Maison Descartes (Vijzelsgracht 2a) Paul van der Eerden (Dutch) has curated an exhibition of drawings titled "RIGMAROLES." If you like the drawing echnique this is a NOT TO BE MISSED show. His own work is also on display and his style is a mix ranging from the conceptual to the figurative with surprises in between. He also often shows humor. His voice is unique....Michel Gouéry (France) makes quirky drawings. Figurative, conceptual, whimsical and a few very weird ones. There are about 60 to view...Roxan Borujerdo (France) does color pencil drawings with a lazy care free geometric abstraction style...Jean Raine (Belgium.France; 1927-1986) made figurative and conceptual b/w pencil and Conte drawings and generally with typography. Some resemble doodles in a whimsical manner. There is also a series of pink paper line drawings (10 exs). Until 15th January. 
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Wetering Galerie (Lijnbaansgracht 288) is showing Luc Claus (no, not Santa) with conceptual b/w drawings and etchings. The drawings are nearly all in charcoal and the two exceptions are washes. It would be more accurate and descriptive to say that the style is a study in contrast. (32x20.5 cms., ink and wash @ 1,000 euro; 64x49 cms., charcoal @ 2,100 euro). In the adjacent gallery there is a group show consisting of drawings, sculpture and one paintings. A few outstanding pieces. Until 12th December. 
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A group show is at Galerie R. Katwijk (Lange Leidsedrawsstraat 198). Johannes Girardoni does conceptual objects in plywood with enamel, Beeswax and plexiglass with the color being the focal point. (31x15x10 cms., @ 1,300 euro). Sybille Pattscheck describes her working techniqe as "Encaustiek op plexiglas." The work is nearly monochromatic in color but with a matt surface which give it a quiet effect. (68x60 cms., @ 2,800 euro.) ...Jae Ko fashions from rolled paper spools unusual forms which have a double-helix like configuration and they appear to spiral into themselves. (44xa8xa4 cms., @ 3,500 euro; 57x15x13 cms., @ 5,000 euro.) Until 19th December. www.galerierogerkatwijk.nl
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Wessel Huisman paints mostly cityscapes in b/w and infinite shades of gray. While the work is truly representational he does it with a geometric abstraction approach. The effect is to take your mind from the imagery and to concentrate on the abstraction. At Galerie Rademakers (Prinsengracht 570) until 23rd December. www.galerierademakers.nl
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Hannes Postma exhibits objects/sculptures, paintings and drawings, at Galerie Clement (Prinsengracht 843). How to explain the style? Figurative, expressionistic, abstract, impressionistic and with a flavor of the early Cobra school. If you think that that makes the final product busy you are right. There are also three conceptual figurative/representational objects/sculptures on exhibit. While the imagery of each is easily identifiable: gloves with hammer; war helmet with flag; a hawk perching on a tree stump it is the matter of the arragement and display plus the fact that the three are tied together since each has a large white anvil included. Also there is a series of Conte drawings which tend to be figurative, sorta. (70x50 cms., drawings @ 2,000; 120x97 cms., painting @ 10,000 euro; object/sculpture @ 10,000 euro.) Until 12th December. https://www.facebook.com/galerieclement/
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A show of mixed technique work is at Galerie De Witte Voet (Kerkstraat 135) by Trees De Mits. The pieces range from ceramic work that doesn';t look like ceramic work to large prints: one figurative and one abstract and a few conceptual photographs. The only replationship betwen everything seems to be the color red. However, in none of the works does the color appear to be the focal point. There is an elaborate installation which consists of 50-150 objects depending on how you count them. (ceramic 500 to 1,600 euro; "canvas" @ 2,300 euro; installation @ 8,000 euro.) Until 23rd December. www.galeriedewittevoet.nl
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...And it is out the door and down a few houses to SLEWE (Kerkstraat 105) with the work of Günter Tuzina who paints unusual geometric abstractions. And it is both the form and colors that make them unusual. No matter the color, black, red or even the green it is the depth of the color which is emphasized. The forms themselves are squares and rectangles. But it is the haphazard way in which the artist makes these simple forms that give them their unique quality. (30x30 cms., acrylic/oil and chalk @ 3,800 euro; 50x40 cms., @ 8,000 euro; 50x50 cms., @ 9,000 euros.) Until 19th December. www.slewe.nl
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"Gallery nine" (Keizersgracht 552) hangs the work of Ineke van Koningsbruggen whose geometric abstract/expressionistic paintings are nearly all in b/w. But that is completely misleading since neither the "white" nor the "black" is applied with a "roller." She brushes painstakingly to acheive her "simple" effect. And the forms, too, are simple if not rudimentary however the compositions are unsual. (50x40 cms., oil on canvas @ 1,750 euro; 120x75 cms., oil on canvas @ 3,700 euro.) Until 19th December. www.gallerynine.nl
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If you believe in fairy tales it is a Hollywood marriage betweeen Daisy Duck and Arnold (The Gov') Swartzennigger or that's what the artist James A. Holdsworth (England) purports via his work at "witzenhausen GALLERY" (Hazenstraat 60). The Gov' himself is branishing an assualt Rambo-type assualt rifle. Diasy seems to gloat over him. Go figure! "Bambi" is also represented along with "Tom & Jerry" (the cat and mouse of cartoon fame). In the background there is a vague photo of Ché. The work comes across as comic juxtapositions to current realities. This is accomplished by the fact that newspapers are used as backgound material exposing both headlines and photos. The result is both entertaining and thought provoking; an unusual combination. (mixed media on canvas: 120x90 cms., @ 2,700 euro; 92x122 cms., @ 3,900 euro.) Until 12th December. https://www.facebook.com/witzenhausengalleryamsterdam/
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"Cokkie Snoei Amsterdam" exhibits the paintings of Norbert Bisky in a show titled "Crossing Jordaan." While the artist does realistic figurative representation in sort of a Pop School style he adds an element of expressionism which is manifested not only in colors but the chaotic arragement of them. The results are paintings that exert themselves like a neon sign. A series of watercolors that portray "Boys at Play" are studies in figurative abstract/expressionism which come across as whimsical. (30x40 cms., w/c, pencil on paper @ 2,100 euro; 70x50 cms., oil on canvas @ 15,300 euro; 130x110 cms., oil on canvas @ 29,000 euro.) N.B. eight red dots at opening. Until 13th December. www.cokkiesnoei.com
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Christian Friedrich's "People Going Home to Die" is the show at Galerie Fons Welters (Bloemstraat 140). At the front of the gallery there are objects and/or sculpture pieces. One is a monumental work that is reminiscent of Jeff Koons if Koons was a conceptualist. It is difficult to describe; you gotta see it. To give you an idea of the conplexity of this 202x300x95 cms piece you must understand that there are 15 materials listed as components. The piece, itself, is included in a narrative film which is shown at the back of the gallery. Unfortunately, the accoustics of the room are poor and when you add to the fact the noise of the crowd, at the opening, it was diffucult to follow the story. No matter, about half way through, one of the gallery assistants came in to turn it off and to announce it was closing time. One would have thought they would have waited until the end of the loop. No price list readily available. Until 23rd December. www.fonswelters.nl
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WOW! for the show at Huize Frankendael (Middenweg 72) with Karen Yasinsky (New York) and Isi Kunath (German, lives in Holland). On the ground floor are drawings by an "illustrator" with the soul of an artist. Karen Yasinsky makes simmple pen & ink line drawings with a built-in story. This story is then "told" on a video screen and it is the "motion" that gives them life." Yeah, hard to visulaize. you gotta see it and there are three examples. Another video tells a short (2'30") story. Very simple b/w lines, subtle motion (against a linear background) that combines fantasy, the mysterious, the compelling, the romantic, a feeling of optimism and it all ends in a tragic finalé. Cool! Another animated piece (at the back of the hallway) is all about sex, romance and relationships. Flexible dolls provide the visual narrative. A collage is a contemporary version of the Soviet's 20s avant gardé with its monumental scope and its soaring feel of the heroic. A pen & ink watercolor drawing is a group portrait of nearly 50 people against a geometric backgound and is captivating (10x20 cms.) No prices listed. Until 10th December http://huizefrankendael.nl/en/art/

Upstairs is the exhibition for Isi Kunath who is showing photography and in its pure form. It is necessary to add this qualification because...well, 3D is getting ahead of the story. Kunath didn''t start photography until four years ago. As a result, she uses the pictures taken as just another element of a finished work. But sometimes the photo is "real." It may look like a collage. It may look like it has been manipulated with Photoshop...but, NO, what we see are actual one shot photos. Look at the one showing mounted animals; you would swear it is a collage. Or the "still life" must be a collage. But, no, it is a black slate table which has an inlay still life. She just took a photograph. And she can be humorous. There is a busy representational photo showing her with a pheasant---its wings spread---covering her face and the typography reads, "Yesterday he told me you are prettier than a pheasant." The piéce de résistance is in the backroom and titled "Did You See The Red Moon Rising." It is an "installation" of several parts and made of various materials. In the same room is a trip-tych of simple line drawings which have been enhanced with stitching. Nice effect. Two large photos are collages, but done in a unique way. The prices are very reasonable. (45x50 cms., Ed. 5 @ 550 euro; 100x120 cms., Ed. 3 @ 1,200 euro; 130x180 cms., photo/collage, unique @ 1,700 euro.) Until 4th January. www.isi-kunath.com, www.foundationfrankendael.nl (N.B. According to the invite this gallery is open only once a week, on Sunday, between 11-17:00.)
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WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

Reminder: Beware of all openings where the time is perceeded by (?). It means that the info may NOT be correct. And the "*" indicates that the time listed could be wrong. Heaven forbid.

THURSDAY: 19th November, 2009
THURSDAY: 19th November, 2009

20:00 PuntWG (M.v.B. Bastiaansestraat 15). "The Rummy Nights," Sets and sequences of improvised music and dance." Felicity Provan (cornet/voice); Anne LaBarge (flutes/electronics) and Lily Kiara (dance/voice); with Marek Isleib. Begins at 20:30. www.puntwg.nl

18:30-22:00 The Club of Amsterdam (WTC, D Tower, 12th Floor). "The Future of Waste." Tickets from 10 to 30 euro (includes beverages and "hapjes"). Tickets on-line. See: www.clubofamsterdam.com for more info and discounts.

20:00 NIMk (Keizersgracht 264). "Presentation To Transfers or to Transform #3: Mill x Molen en Panta Rhei." Discussion concerning researching these two installations by Bert Schutter and Ricardo Füglistahler. RSVP: infor@nimk.nl; FREEE. www.nimk.nl

FRIDAY: 20th November
FRIDAY: 20th November

17:00 Chellerie (Raamgracht 58). Roeland Kneepkens, oil paintings, figurative. www.roelandkneepkens.com

17-19:00 ARTTRA (Tweede Boomdwarsstraat 4). Igor Ganikowskij (Russia), "De holografische dedachte." www.arttra.nl

17:30 BeemsterArtCenter (Sint Nicolaasstraat 21). Geogory Kohelet (Oezbekistan), paintings; Adil Elsanousi (Sudan), paintings. Opening by Lena Euwena, director of "De Hortus" Amsterdam. 

17-19:00 AYACS (Keizersgracht 166). Josje Peters, "Inaccessibly Close." paintings and drawings. 

17-19:00 SM Bureau Amsterdam (Rozenstraat 59). Six artists assembled by Jeremiah Day "Walker Evans and the Barn." www.smba.nl

(?)20:00 Van Zijl Langhout Exposities (Brouwersgracht 161). Joep van Liefland, graphics and Bas Louter, drawings. www.vanzijlllanghout.nl

20:00 Mediamatic BANK (Vizelstraat 68). Hey, get this. Two nights for the price of one & FREE both times...but I digress. The Amsterdam Biennale 2009 continues. Tonight, it is the opening of the Boston Pavilion. There will be a "Pop Quiz" plus recorded and live music. "Dress up as your favorite popstar and make your own video..." Michael Jackson wannabes, now's your chance. www.mediamatic.net/page/126960/en

SATURDAY: 21st November
SATURDAY: 21st November

(?)17:00* Circle Gallery (Kerkstraat 67). A new gallery which is promoting itself as "not-for-profit." That's good because there isn't much profit in art. This show is labeled "Young Talent." Esther Nienhuis was seen at ArtOlive with large paintings that appeared to be photos even though they were not "realisitc." Neat trick. Also, Marje Roos. The space is also available for daily rental at: 750 euro full day; and 450 euro for a half day. https://bit.ly/2ui7dR6; info@circlegallery.nl

17-19:00 ACF Amsterdam Centrum voor Fotografie (Bethaniënstraat 39) shows Erwin van Amstel and Maarten van Schaik, in "Shopping Miracles."

20:00 YOUNGBLOOD AWARDS (Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Veemkade 274). The winners of the YOUNGBLOOD 2009 awards will be announced by GOGBOT. There were 42 nominees from seven Dutch academies competing for the 500 euro prize. www.gogbot.nl

20:00 Mediamatic BANK (Vizelstraat 68) is back again and this time with the opening of Pavilions for: Copenhagen, Taipei, Milan and Rome. Expect: "Taiwanese sexy girls behind glass," "Robots from Rome," "Danish Talks Shows," Huh? etc., etc., etc. www.mediamatic.net/page/127529/en. www.mediamatic.net/biennale

SUNDAY: 22nd November
SUNDAY: 22nd November

11-19:00 PAN AMSTERDAM (RAI, Parkhal). This is the 23rd annual show of paintings, sculptures from the 16th century to the present. Plus modern and antique furniture, objects, maps and prints with about 120 exhibitors showing. The entrance is 15 euro per day or a week pass for 40 euro. Children under 12, FREE. Daily times are from 11-19:00 and on the 26th and 29th from 11-18:00. Momre info: www.pan.nl

14:00 Gallery Godá (Weteringschans 69). "The Mednyanszky sociëtiet," 18 Hungarian artists. https://bit.ly/2NBvsCU

15:00 "retort" (Aalsmeersweg 103). "Een kunstproject over wonen, verblijven en identiteit." Marlies Rohmer, architect; MaartenJan Hoekstra, bouw-en taalkundige. Jeroen Damen will speak. http://gedeelde-muren.blogspot.com/; www.retortproject.nl

16-18:00 WALLS (Prinsengracht 737). "Heroic Resolutions!" 18 artists show. 
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Friday is busy but Saturday isn't. Go figure. Change around your schedule and go to galleries that you have never been to. Hey, that's a new experience. Somewhere along the line you'll cross paths with 3D hunting out the next masterpiece of art. But it could be you that discovers it. All you gotta do is GO!!! Kid you not.

Photos: 1) Some of those receiving the 3D List #11 did not see the photo from Diana Blok's exhibition at Galerie Melkweg. The title: Is he? Or isn't she? photo: Piet van der Meer 2) CARHARTT Store Amsterdam; Elzo and 3D inspired antics, photo:Piet van der Meer, 

http://gould3dlist.blogspot.nl/ 

 

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