Going back in time: Daniel Gould’s 3D List, Art in Amsterdam #20

The recession is over! All the economic indicators show that spending is up by not only industry purchasing new machinery, but also households buying TVs and washing machines. This week, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury product producer, has reported a 13% rise in sales for the first quarter of 2010.

The unfortunate part to this scenario is that the art market is at the end of the trickle-down affect of the pyramid. Is there a solution? Sure! And you are IT! Since things are going to get better it is up to you to help those at the bottom. Namely, the artists. Help an artist by buying a piece of art from them and you aid the society in its economic recovery. Kid you not! And here is more good news: The prices at galleries continue to be depressed. You get more for your money...And that ain't bad.

INDEX:

Bits & Pieces:

Museum Review: Amsterdam Historical Museum

What You Missed Last Week:

What Is Happening This Week: 

BITS & PIECES: 

Moritz Ebinger continues his campaign to paint the west red. Mao would be proud. Ebinger brings the color scheme to Amsterdam. He will broadcast "Radio Red" from the Fonds BKVB (Brouwersgracht 276). He will reconstruct his "vibrant red studio and interview even more professionals...concerning the topic red...Menstruational [Tomoko Mukaiyama, who uses her menstruation in the art and music]...the world of 'red mercury,' brothels in the Red Light District, Viennese philosophy, Albanese communism...red in gay emancipation...the sound of Bloody Mary's [sic]." The live feed will be on the 18th and 21st of April from 15-18:00 on 107.4 FM or http://redlightradio.net/ 
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"artantique" is at the Jaarsbeurs Utrecht from the 11 - 18th April. 
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The New York Photo Festival offers a "NYPH'10-Portfolio Review." "The reviews are a platform for all levels of aspiring and professional photographers to present their body of work for review and critique by leading experts..." A total of 40 experts (see site for list of names) will do the reviews. From 13th - 15th May. More info: http://www.newyorkphotofestival.com or e-mail: asa@nyphotofestival.com 
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"A.I.R. Hotel MariaKapel invites artists, curators and researchers to submit proposals...[for its] artist-run residency and project space in Hoorn...The program involves artists and curators working in a wide range of media, focusing on installation and context based work, video/film and performance art. Deadline 1st June. Request more info: call@hotelmariakapel.nl
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Cappy J forwarded this quotation from Ben Franklin, US of A's ambassador to France, in the late 18th century: "If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing." Hey, 3D is attempting to do both. 
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How about this reality in the world of the written word: "When you're looking at truth versus gossip, truth doesn't stand a chance." Barbara Mikkelson, who, with her husband David, runs the fact-finding site: https://www.snopes.com/ 
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"In 16th century Naples, kissing was punishable by death...The longest kiss lasted 32 hours and seven minutes...Kissing for one minute burns 26 calories. All these tid-bits come from http://www.msn.com and is offered by 3D as a kiss 'n tell sort of thing. 
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A "poll of 23,000 adults in 22 countries showed that more than 40% of people from India and China believe that aliens walk among us." However, the Dutch are, how should I say, more down to earth and only 8% think that. https://www.dutchnews.nl/ 
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In just over two months the new Openbare Bibliotheek will celebrate its third anniversary. But as what? A multimedia entertainment event place (art/photography galleries, radio station, theater, etc) with restaurants and books thrown in for good measure? Sometimes you wonder what its raison d'etre really is. 3D makes use of the new library five or more days a week. This week, I was approached by a young lady who asked where to find the book stack row for a certain number...3D blends in so well that it looks like I work there. I lead her to the service desk. I told her that they had a schematic description of the floor that listed the stacks by number group. Well, the man at the service station said that they were out of it. He then lead her to the area she was looking for. 

As any user of the library knows there are NO numbers at the end of the stacks that indicates what series of numbers are represented in the stack row. Remember the old days when you checked the card catalog (now you must use a PC) and once you had your book's number it was a simple job of finding it. A rumor started last summer that the reason that there were NO numbers, at the end of the rows, was because the architect had in his contract that NO changes could be made during the first two years of opening. 3D finds it hard to understand what numbering the book stack rows has to do with "interior architectural design," but who knows. Anyway, the first two years is history. Why has nothing been done since last July?

Of course, it was an enterprising librarian who came up with the idea of a schematic guide. But we are now in a "green revolution" and don't forget all the cutbacks being made to eliminate "waste." So the solution to print a four color schematic guide is not only "ungreen" but economically costly. The raw cost per sheet is probably 20 or more euro cents. What does that work out to in one year? Numbers at the end of the stacks---once they are there---are a one time cost. It seems like such a simple solution to this ongoing problem, but the director, for some reason, ignores the simplicity of the solution and the cost savings of both material and the staff's time.

Should I also go into the difficulties of trying to find one of the 2,257 magazines? Finally, about a year or so ago, a partial solution was found. Make copies---in b/w---of the covers of each magazine and put that in the spot where the magazine is located. Well, guess what? These b/w copies have a tendency to wander to another location. And, still, there are no "subject headings" indicating where to find "science," "art," or whatever the category you are looking for is located in the 100+ meter long stacks. 

It is a pity that the library's director isn't a librarian. That would solve the problem
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MUSEUM REVIEW: 

The Amsterdam Historical Museum (NZ Voorburgwal 357) has complimented their featured exhibition "De Hoerengracht" with a complementary show of avant garde sculpture work in the Museum's courtyard titled "Belichaming." In the Keinholz installation the prostitutes, sitting behind the windows, are mannequins but expressed in an avant garde way in that their heads are enclosed in rectangular glass boxes. Outside, we see conceptual figurative sculpture work. Anja Vosdingh Bessem shows a bronze which has a flavor of a Fernando Botero painting. It certainly isn't in proportions you would expect for a woman's body form but it does come together nicely...Barbara Kluiver works with aluminium, cement, epoxy, fiber and wood. In one piece, she combines the figurative imagery with unusual linear illusions to body limbs. In another piece, she has carved a figure from a block of wood but maintains the elements of the tree trunk to interact with the human form. Clever...Henk Spreeuwenberg has formed a large male torso from what looks convincingly like steel. There is even a fine patina of rust. Surprise, the piece is made from polyurethane foam, synthetic resin and iron filings.

A negative aspect of the show is you can easily miss some works because they are located at odd locations and there are no signs nor arrows pointing the way. Karin ter Waarbeek is one of the artists showing off the beaten path. She has constructed a piece that is reminiscent of Jean TInguely (1925-1991) and Rube Goldberg ( 1883-1970). It stands about three meters high and makes use of a bicycle wheel; a couple of bike chains and sprockets; and other common material. There is a sensor which activates the moving parts when someone enters the area which is a nook and cranny off one of the courtyards...In the same area, Carla Rump has created an installation consisting of large sections of tree trunks. From five of them, she has carved faces at one end. An impressive work...To the left of Rump is a glass extension of the museum itself. Enclosed in it are nine suits of armor (c 1580) complete with helmets and spears. Until 6th June. https://www.amsterdammuseum.nl/
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WHAT YOU MISSED LAST WEEK: 

Wednesday:

Daniel Koning is showing "ZILVERSTAD: Srebrenica 15 years later" at the Melkweg Galerie (Marnixstraat 409, enter @ Jo's Cafe). The show is not nearly as grim as 3D had anticipated. Srebrenica was one of the hottest hot spots in the Balkan' wars. Admittedly, Koning has focused on its present state of being 15 years after the worst of the conflict. But one photo brings back the horror in spades. It shows 528 coffins, draped in black, of bodies that had been recovered from a mass grave. And that's not the only reminder. The photos of mourners visiting grave yards---there is a crowd---and shots of buildings pockmarked from artillery shelling; and forensic scientist arranging bones all bring back the realities of the civil wars that raged. 

But there are pictures which show that there has been a return to normalcy: a young couple leaving their wedding ceremony; an accumulation of sections for a carnival ride with a football pitch in the background; and a rain drenched street devoid of people expressing only the melancholy of a bad weather day. Needless to say, Koning's work is first rate as to technique. A nice touch is that on various columns, of the space, there are linear notes describing the scenes; and they are in both Dutch and English. A book is also available in both languages: ISBN: 978.90.59.37.240.5 @ 32.50 euro. Until 2nd May. No price list. https://bit.ly/2uZmJSp 
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Saturday: 

Galerie Clement (Prinsengracht 843) is exhibiting the works of Margot De Jager in their lower gallery. The style is contemporary impressionistic landscapes and flowers. Needless to say, being spring it is a very apt theme. Even better, the work is in its own unique voice. The landscapes are particularly nice because of the subdued use of color in very colorful compositions. Neat trick! (65x65 cms., @ 1,350 euro; 140x100 cms., @ 2,850 euro; 250x95 cms., @ 3,900 euro). 

In the up stair's gallery are the drawings of Sarah van der Pols. The small (12x7 cms.) mixed-media pieces are conceptual linear figurative compositions which are also two dimensional. The larger works are also conceptual figurative, however that's nearly irrelevant. What is relevant is the fact that the figurative form is filled in not with color but abstract imagery and symbols. She plays with color, too, especially in the way she uses it in the background to emphasize the figures. (32x27 cms., mixed media @ 350 euro; 50x50 cms., drawing @ 750 euro; 94x126 cms., drws. @ 2,450 euro.) Until 8th May. https://bit.ly/2J3VcnE 
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Now for something completely different. Two very different artists not only showing together but working as a duo. What results is a most unusual exhibition. To the best of 3D memory it is the first time that I have seen either of these artists work with another; and I have been following both for over 20 years. Pieter Bijwaard first got my attention at Espace/Oele Galerie with his quirky drawings. Diana Blok, on the other hand, is a photographer that generally works in b/w and in a serious way. In this show, at Galerie Witteveen (Keizersgracht 538), they have selected to frame together one piece by each of themselves. There are also larger pieces which are framed separately but hung together. The conceptual idea is that there is either a relationship with the imagery; a complimentary aspect; and/or other factors that creates a balance. Even when there is an obvious relationship between the two works there is still a notable juxtaposition between them. Sometimes it is simply the contrast. Sometimes you just don't get it. (Two pieces framed together, 50x70 cms., Ed. 6 @ 850 euro; other works framed separately can be purchased individually or together. Discount available for two.) Until 8th May. https://bit.ly/2NR0zdF 
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Frank Van den Broeck is at SLEWE Gallery (Kerkstraat 105) with drawings. The style? Surrealism? Impressionistic? Conceptual abstract figurative? What makes Van den Broeck's work so exceptional is the fact that it is difficult to pin a label on his style. And the imagery? Well, here's an example: From a distance, one piece looks like an expressionistic drawing. But, get close and study it and what do you see? A boot like one of the Three Musketeers wore; an artist's pallet which seems to be the "roots" for a conceptual chandelier. It is all in b/w with gentle shades of red. The result is both dramatic and aesthetically attractive. Other pieces are very colorful and some with more conventional imagery. Many artist will leave this show mumblings "I wish I could draw like that!" And that includes 3D. (24x32 cms., drawings @ 1,650 euro.) Until 15th May. https://www.slewe.nl/ 
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At De Expeditie (Leliegracht 47) is Nick Kemps with conceptual sculpture work where the artist uses various materials. Three pieces are "strings" of polyurethane which are arranged in an oval configuration. Another piece reflects the resulting imagery of these pieces by having grooved into its MDF surface the same type of design. The highlight of the show is a three piece object that reflects Richard Serra in shape and style. (102x325, material, Ed. 3 @ 6,000 euro; 137x69x7 cms., two parts: polyurethane rubber @ 11,700 euro; 159x242x242 cms., three parts: wood, black glass and photography @ 75,000 euro.) Until __?__. https://bit.ly/1GWgH2v 
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"The Conspirators," is the title of Dawn Mellor's (UK) show at Galerie Gabriel Rolt (Elandsgracht 34). Her work is certainly not for every one's taste. One portrait shows the image of a woman with one eye dangling from its socket. Others are very bloody. Some are provocative like the painting of a woman showing a bare breast with a target sign painted around her nipple; and written on her chest is, "Take Me." But, with that said, her technique is first rate. (61x51 cms., oil @ 3,600 euro; 102x76 cms., oil @ 6,200 euro; 122x122 cms., oil @ 7,200 euro.) Four red dots and one green dot at opening. Until 15th May. https://bit.ly/2mjOOQt 
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"Know Thyself, an artistic, anthropological study of self-portraiture," is the title of this group show of photographic art at "WM gallery" (Elandsgracht 35). The theme is the self-portrait and to combine the field of science with the artist. Three social scientist were interviewed on "what can you say about the anthropologist view? Asking questions like this is it possible to know yourself? Do you dare try to know yourself?" Hey, where's Freud when we need him? But, I digress...Fifteen artists (13 photographers, one video and one making a collage piece) take on this theme and what results are tableaus which are unique to each.

Frederieke Jochems actually chronicles her life in a few simple photos. We see her as a baby sitting on her mother's chest and again as an adult sitting with her ailing mother at her bedside. Another series of photos is a sequence that begins with Jochem's holding a guitar (1977) to one of her 15 year old daughter also holding a guitar and in the same pose...Pete Purnell submitted several faxes showing him dressed in a 17th century style; and included is Purnell's photo of 3D as Henry Hudson. The faxes include the correspondences relating to the exhibition...There is a collage by Aimée Zito Lema which has a photographic base but presented conceptually where the photographic aspect becomes secondary. The price list shows a range of 250 to 800 euro. However, six pieces listed indicate that you must request the price. 3D made the request, but was told that the prices were NOT for publication. Go figure. Until ___?___. http://gallerywm.com/WP/ 
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Sunday:

At FW:BK (Zwanenburgwal 186) is the porcelain work and prints of Pim van der Horst. The porcelain forms related to common objects like a hat, a frame, an ash tray, sections of rope grouped together. But the actual pieces reflects a unique way of portraying these everyday objects. Two "cigarettes" (porcelain) have gold filter tips with a blue band with a white and black body. The burnt tip is in black. Not what you generally see dangling from the lips of a smoker. The "hats" have gold rims, pierced with holes, and a black bowl. His mono type prints are simple in form and nearly all b/w. (35 to 75 euro; 195 to 450 euro.) 

Gert Merlijn does "light objects" which are whimsical and full of fun. There is a lyrical element in their form which emulates a long stemmed flower in the wind. The color, too, reflect the hues and shades we expect from nature's foliage. (400 to 740 euro.) Until 9th May. https://bit.ly/2v4KvME 
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Chantz Perkins (USA) is showing sculpture work at ABC Treehouse (Voetboegstraat 11). She specializes in doing torsos, both male and female. She uses alabaster stone from the SouthWest US of A. Because of the stones natural multi-colored colorization we are confronted with strong tension between the form and colors. She also makes plaster cast of torsos. Several of these have been nuanced with contemporary styled tattoos. Her small bronzes' reflects an imagery based on mythological characters for the most part. Three ink washes---two in blue and one in black---are special. The prices are reasonable: 200 to 500 euro as a mean range; four at 1,200 euro; washes @ 175 euro.) Until 30th May. https://bit.ly/2vb1fSr 
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Monday:

Gallery Vriend van Bavink (Geldersekade 58) presents Dim Balsem's "Gentlemen." The "gentlemen" are the Hilversum' rugby club members. However the emphasis is more on the actual venue. While we do see the players----one badly bloodied---we see more photos of the field; an empty locker room; the light stands, etc. The photographer's technique is good and he includes an example of motion photography and other shots that uses light as the main impetus for the composition. (Various sizes priced from 100 to 600 EUR.) Until 23rd April. http://www.dimbalsem.com http://www.vriendvanbavink.nl/ 
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WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK: 

Reminder: When you see (?) it is meant to convey the message that the info may NOT be correct. The "*" indicates that the times could be wrong. This is your weekly 3D disclaimer; and brought to you at NO extra charge. 

THURSDAY: 15th April, 2010
THURSDAY: 15th April, 2010 

20:30 Mediamatic BANK (Vijzelstraat 68). "Qaqaq Akisuarpoq Performance." Two show times. 21-22:00: "A Sound Video & Mountain Performance by Melanie Bonajo and Joseph Marzolla," four performers. At 22:15: "Freedom Forest by The Wolf, Death and the Acorn." Seven performers. 30 minutes. FREE. https://bit.ly/2vC2IzX 

FRIDAY: 16th April
FRIDAY: 16th April 

17-20:00 Salon Culturel (Oude Waal 32). Dorith Klomp, paintings and drawings.. On Saturday (16th April) at 15:30 Kees Post plays Ravel and Debussy. No web-site on invite. 

18:00 PrintsAndTheRevolution (Gerard Douplein 90-92 + Albert Cuypstraat 151-155). Nearly 20 artists will show. https://bit.ly/2mKKz0v 

18-22:00 De Appel (1e Jacob van Campenstraat 59). "I'm Not Here...An Exhibition Without Francis Alÿs," Well, there is a section of the invite that says, "Practical information: Combination ticket with entrance and catalogue: 10 EUR. Normal entrance 7 EUR Catalogue 9 EUR. Hmmm. It would appear from this that you now you have to pay to wait in line. But, on the other side of the coin, if you must pay there may be NO line. More info: http://www.imnothere.eu or http://deappel.nl/en/programme 

20-Midnight Streelab_Projectspace (Postjesweg 2). Laser 3.14's "Sometimes it helps to dream." http://www.streetlab.nl/ 

SATURDAY: 17th April
SATURDAY: 17th April 

10-17:00 Mediamatic BANK (Vijzelstraat 68). "Augmented Reality Dev Camp," a seminar. FREE. Check "ARDevCamp wiki" for explanation. More info and RSVP: https://www.mediamatic.net/en/page/2443/ar-dev-camp 

12:30 The Museum of the Bohemian. Well this seems to be a moving party. The "Museum" is moving to Buurtboederij (Spaarndammerdijk 319). And the move starts at 14:00 from the Volkskrantgebouw, (Wibautstraat 150) with a "bakfiets parade" to the new location. What is on offer is "arts, live music, performances, food & drinks..." the opening at the Buurtboerderij begins at 17:00 and features "living art piece Fabiola...acoustic and mellow rock music," etc, etc." More info: https://www.buurtboerderij.nl/ , FREE.

15-17:00 Funen Art Gallery (Funenpark 125). Elias Mohd, "Dansers en Maskers," ceramics and oils. A "concert" on 18th and 25th April. https://bit.ly/2mLheTB 

15-20:00 Chellerie (Raamgracht 58). Theo Haring, "Transform," wood constructions. https://bit.ly/2Lt2hnZ 

16:00 Wetering Galerie (Lijnbaansgracht 288). Paul Brumer, paintings. https://bit.ly/2KZbO69 

16:00 Galerie W. van Leeuwen (Hazenstraat 27). Rene Burri, a book signing session. http://www.woutervanleeuwen.com/ 

(?)16:00* Gallery LWW (1e Bloemdwarstraat 5c). M. Wijermars, sculpture. 

17:00 Aschenbach & Hofland Galleries (Bilderdijkstraat 165-C). Jens Wolf, abstract paintings on plywood. http://gerhardhofland.com/en/ 

17:00 RON MANDOS (Prinsengracht 282). Katinka Lampe, "O you who believe," paintings. https://bit.ly/1NONWvU 

17-19:00 "g_i_s_t gallery" (Bloemgracht 82). Thomas Weinberger, Josef Schulz, Steve Johnson, Evol C' think [sic] and Maartje Overmars. The theme is "architectural aspects of the urban space" expressed in various techniques and styles. http://www.gistgalerie.nl/ 

17:00 "tegenboschvanvreden" (Bloemgracht 57). "Eternal Return," Sander Breure and Witte van Hulzen, video, photography and drawings. https://bit.ly/1ijJJ6u 

17:00 RudolfV (Kerkstraat 427). Jissy Keuenhof, bronze sculpture; Zsuzanna, metal sculpture; Willem Overtoom, photography; Luc Peters, mixed media; Caroline Havers, mixed media. https://bit.ly/2uSzEq4 

17:00 PUNT WG (M.van b. Bastiaansestraat 15). Jerzy Murawski's "Rondom Tavola 13." https://puntwg.nl/ 

(?)17-19:00 Galerie J. Jongma (G. Doustraat 128). Tim Braden (UK). http://juliettejongma.com/ 

18-20:00 VIPs (Spiegelgracht 8). Bent Rej, "Sixties Rock Legends: On Stage Back Stage." https://vipsart.nl/ 

20:30 De Levante (Hobbemastraat 28). This appears to be a discussion between representatives of Jordan, Palestine and Israel concerning water. Actually, this will be the last matter settled in the region long after the settlement and Jerusalem issue have been solved. More info: http://ecopeaceme.org/ or https://bit.ly/2LG5P5y RSVP: reserveren@delevante.org 

SUNDAY: 18th April
SUNDAY: 18th April

14:00 and 18:00 Loods6 (KNSM-laan 143). Ellen Schippers, "Frauensehnsucht," video performances. http://www.ellenschippers.com/, info@ellenschippers.com 

14-18:00 YDkunstuitleen (Quellijnstraat 127). "KANS," Fabrice, paintings and objects...Always a party. https://bit.ly/2LT5Tff 

(?)15:00 SBK Zuid (Van Eeghenstraat 59). Ahmet Helaka, "Nieuwe Aan Winst." photography. https://bit.ly/2OiA3tU 

15:30 Galerie Josine Bokhoven (Prinsengracht 1564). Beppe Kesler, "Wind." https://bit.ly/2JHGNOt 

16-18:00 ABC Treehouse (Voetboogstrat 11). Book presentation and signing by Tony Ward for his "photo documentary of the notorious Amsterdam Party, titled 'Wasteland.'" This is a party "where the fetish lifestyle is celebrated and applauded." 

TUESDAY: 20th April
TUESDAY: 20th April 

20:30 Arti et Amicitiae (Rokin 112). "In The Evidence of Experience," "7 Evenings of Live Art." A full schedule of performance art each day for seven days. Complete program and more info: https://www.arti.nl/ 

WEDNESDAY: 21st April
WEDNESDAY: 21st April 

20:00 NIMk (Keizersgracht 264). Sonic Acts film program selected by "onedotzero." They will show "a choice of high-fidelity motion graphics for all fans of 3D animation." Entry: 2.50 EUR. RSVP: reservations@nimk.nl. More info: https://bit.ly/2m4s9Hy 

20:30 Arti et Amicitiae (See 20th April, above) 

THURSDAY: 22nd April
THURSDAY: 22nd April 

20:30 Arti et Amicitiae (See 20th April, above) 
*** 
There is never a slow week for art in Amsterdam. And, more importantly, always something for everyone. You got pretty pictures to mind boggling conceptual art that pricks at your brain like a gnat that won't go away. However, unlike the bothersome gnat, the experience is an enjoyable one and can be also educational. Hey, it's a win-win situation. The sun is out...The temperature mild...And the city is a bright jewel on the world's map. So, get out of the house and do the galleries and museums...And don't forget to bring money. 

Photo:  3D recalls seeing Lucille Ball and Bob Hope on the stage of this theater...And it seems like only yesterday...well, it was, but lots and lots of yesterdays... Photograph by: Diederick Kraaijeveld

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