Going back in time: Daniel Gould’s 3D List, Art in Amsterdam #56

And a HAAAAAAAAAPY New Year..This is certainly one year when the wish for success is most sincere. A few galleries have announced their closing and that isn't good. Others have moved or are moving to smaller spaces. It is a time for survival.

And, unfortunately, the artist is not only seeing a big downsizing of their market, but also declining opportunities for alternative part time or full time employment in other areas. Well, that should lead to more production if only to give them something to do...But, who is going to pay for the materials? The announced subsidy cut backs are still on the books; art foundations and other related groups are all knocking on the same doors begging for private support. But through all the grimness there are a few bright spots; a few galleries have had very successful shows. The serious collector is always there. The economic downturns affect the new collectors and those that see art as a pastime. 3D has seen one trend and that is prices are going down for works of art. And where I see "cheap" prices I see red dots. I shall continue to encourage the art loving public to BUY, BUY, BUY. Who knows? Some of you may get the message. 

INDEX:

Art Fair Review: REALISME 12 @ Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (19th to 22nd January) 

Bits & Pieces:

What You Have Missed: 

ART FAIR REVIEW: 

The press release for Realisme 12 prints it thus: REAL IS ME 12. Cute, but not really relevant. Art realism---or representational art---is alive and well and on show at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam building (Piet Heinkade 27). 

One hears complaints, from time to time, uttered by the general art interested public that avant garde art has forgot what art is all about. Well, this is not the time nor place to have that discussion. But what neither side may understand or refuses to acknowledge, there is avant garde realism. You can see this visually, for your self, on entering the exhibition area and in the first row of galleries. Lieve Hemel has its stable of artists on view and they range from hyper-realism (almost like looking at a photograph) to impressionistic and surreal realism. And some of these artist can be classified as avant garde. But it becomes even more prevalent at the booth next to Lieve Hemel... Albus Lux (Roosendaal) shows stunning avant garde photography by Liesje Reyskens. Great colors, much humor and all with a conceptual edge...Directly across the aisle is Galerie Lilya Zakirova (Heusden aan de Maas) exhibiting mixed media paintings by Natalya Zaloznaya that lovers of realism would question as being "realistic." Doesn't matter, because the works are visually exciting...And that's what art is all about! 

Galerie Bianca Landgraaf (Laren) shows Wouter Stips whose style even lovers of COBRA will appreciate. Then there is Peter Hiemstra's strange animal-like objects...Contemp Galerie exhibits "motion realism" paintings by Jan Ros which a truly avant garde...Jos Art (Amsterdam) hangs Jef Gysen who paints figurative-like works that recall to mind the Impressionist turned Expressionist. Confused? Hey, it's avant garde "realism."...And what to make of the litho/acrylic painting by Maayke Schuitema? at Galerie Pien Rademakers (Amsterdam).

Wait 'til you see Allan Forsyth's "Nova" at ARE ITLED (Herpen). Nothing about it is realistic accept the original source of the imagery which was a landscape photograph. What you will see is an explosive expressionistic rainbow of colors that looks like neon. Great!...Don't miss the nearly ten meter high "figurative sculpture" sitting on an ironing board at Kunstruimte Wagemans (Beetsterzwaag) that has "dreadlocks" made from spoils of colored thread. And wait 'til you see the sky paintings of Daan de Jony. Thirteen docile to angry skyscapes with a variety of cloud covered skies that set a mood...Witzenhausen Gallery (Amsterdam) outdoes realism with the 3D photography of Jeff Ross (UK). The dancing lady seems to leap out at you and, well, really does, sort of.

Art Kitchen (Amsterdam) shows a large selection of artist that's style can best be described as "conceptual realism." "Performing" for your pleasure is a dancing robot and it is "naked;" the title, "Fallen Angel." Julia Winters (Russia) presents "conceptual portraits" that are all eyes and in two dimensions. They make you dizzy! That is, there are two portraits superimposed on the other with about three cms., depth between each plate of glass. Added embellishment, like chess pieces, add to the mystery. "The Flower of Evil,"by Alexander Schebracq is an iconic 3D glass flower that projects from the wall like a sunburst. Dramatic! (3D asked Schebracq if the city of Amsterdam intended to replace the light stands that graced the Rokin before the construction of the North South Line began? He said he didn't know, but suspected that they would not do so. You can still see his set of light stands along the Damrak. Great work that stands out from all the garish neon.).

And there are unexpected surprises! At "GALERIE bart" (Amsterdam) shows the work of Sierk van Meeuwen who recreates the 17th century world of Vermeer, for one, with 21st century avant garde realism. One painting features three "Playboy-like"bunnies surrounding a young man---the artist---who sits in a Hugh Hefner-like pose. Cool!...At Morren Galerie is a large paintings by Theo Mackaay that reflects the styles of Picasso, Modigliani and Klimt combined; and it works! Check out Scott Bartner's exceptional realistic portraits of women...But if you want your realism really realistic, don't miss Galerie Petit (Amsterdam), on the upper level of the PTO. Work by Siemen Dijkstra's woodcuts of fields and beaches; Stef Verbraeken's views of Amsterdam; Ton de Laat's incredible watercolors of envelopes with colorful postage stamps; and the tree etchings of Reinder Homan. 

There is a large room which feature 18 photographers that competed in the Pride Photo contest. You get a look at the gay "scene" from several different directions: the social, erotic, the political and even the domestic. 

So, if you think realism means only a pretty picture, well it is time for you to educate yourself. If you like art like an average person, 3D guarantees you will find something at REAL IS ME 12 that will make you opened your pocket book.

Until 22nd January (Sunday). Entry: 12 euro, Pas 65, CJP 8.00 euro. Parking available + plus a Tram stop. 
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BITS & PIECES:

Here is something that sounds very special; and it is scheduled for Sunday (22nd Jan) beginning at 15:00 and continuing into the early evening. Leine Roebana is a modern dance company that has had its performances praised by the Dutch media. But, like many other cultural initiatives, that makes this city so great, subsidy cuts are threatening their very existence. They are trying to do something more than just complain. To raise money, Dancers and musicians will perform in uniquely designed rooms of the Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Center: "You will be dazzled by high quality dancers, musicians and singers in a totally different ambiance from the theatre." There will be 10 "intimate presentations." Also, "a wonderful dinner will be served [and] you will be treated to live dance and music as well." (special dietary menus on request.) 

This is a great idea for a fund raising event. A remarkable program with the outstanding and imaginative kitchen of the Lloyds Hotel adding to it all. The donation is 150 euro/person. For registration and more info: call Annemiek Kloek at (020) 48.93.820 or e-mail: getclose@leineroebana.com. Get the full program at: https://www.leineroebana.com/
It will list the top Dutch talent you can expect to see and hear in a very intimate surrounding. 
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Another fund raiser gets off to a grand start at RudolfV (Kerkstraat 427) tonight, at 19:00, and with music. "Eindexpositie voor de Kunstenaar" is a Crowdfund Project. There are two days for viewing (21st and 22nd Jan) and on Sunday (22nd), at 15:00, there is an auction of the work. For more info: https://www.voordekunst.nl/
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According to the Dutch media, ArtAmsterdam---held yearly at the RAI, during May---is looking for a smaller and cheaper space. A reason given for the downsizing is that some of the attending galleries have complained that there are too many galleries and not all up to their snobbish standards. ArtAmsterdam is a franchise that is owned by the RAI, so it comes as a surprise that they are no longer interested in continuing their direct participation. A few years back, The Affordable Art Fair (London)----that sponsors two yearly shows at Westergasfabriek; as well as six or so other international sites---offered to by the concession, but the RAI said, at the time, it wasn't interested. Their new position, one would assume, is that the RAI's decision has had to do with subsidy cuts which helped support ArtAmsterdam.
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...More proof that the cuts in cultural subsidies is hurting the Dutch cultural scene was the recent announcement by the Boymans Museum, in Rotterdam, that they would drop the planned Jan van Eyck exhibition----which had a cost of 1.3 million euro. There was a public outcry and a few corporate sponsors, who saw a PR value in supporting the show, have stepped forward.
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Laser 3.14 latest observations: "The sky Is Filled With Angels, Still You Shrivel Instead." That's rather cryptic...Not sure what he is trying to convey. (Weterschanns 185). This is better: "All Funds Depleted, The Lights Going Out Soon." (Nieuwe Kerkstraat 40). This bon-mot reminds 3D of a billboard at the city limits of Detroit: "The Last Person To Leave Detroit Will They Please Turn Off the Lights." That was in the late 70s. In 1960, the city had a population of two million. As of the US Census Report of 2010, there are now but 827,000 still hanging on...3D like this one by Laser especially: "You Are Free To Say Anything You Want, Just As Long As You Keep Your Mouth Shut." Are you reading this Pretty Boy Gerrit (Laurierstraat 58.) 
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Gallery-A will mount its last exhibition on the 27th of January for Rick Keijzen. The space will be taken by Gallerie Witteveen which will move from their Keizersgracht location. STORM Gallery (3e Oosterparkstraat 201) has lost their "lease" as an anti-squat and is now looking for a new location. Contact: Martine Mulder, @ (020) 486.5561.
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For what it is worth: "The 100 Most Useful Web Sites," as determined by Liz Pulliam Weston, can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/2mIMAfT
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This quote came to 3D from JD, living in the state of Washington, in the USofA: "Show me a good loser...and I'll show you a loser." It was said by Gordie Howe, a National Hockey League player from 1946 to 1980. A phenomenal 34 years. He was 52 when he retired. In the final years, he actually had his two sons playing with him on the same professional NHL team. Needless to say, he holds many hockey records. 
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"FACING FORWARD" is a series of lectures with the Stedelijk Museum as the head sponsor. "Future Freedom" is next on the agenda with Paul Chan and Hito Steyerl, on the 9th of February, at the Oude Lutherse Kerk (Spui 411). Tickets are 12.50 euro at the door, cheaper bought in advance. More info and full program at: https://bit.ly/2NoEyST 
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"BECOME A FRIEND" of STEIM and help save this internationally known "School for New Sounds." Only 50 euro/year. See www.steim.org for more info. 
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Not really sure what this is all about, but it sounds interesting. "2.Gether} Duos in the visual arts." "An Event on Co-Creation." Sponsored by Nieuw Dakota and EYE Film Instituut Nederland. It says in part, "The event [scheduled for Fall, 2012] will offer inspiration on co-creating for your co-workers, employees and business partners....includes a symposium, visit to the event, a publication, social media coverage, workshops with art duos and studio visits." More info At: 2.GETHER@xmsnet.nl Attn: Jelle Piersma. 
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More from Oscar Wilde: "That a gentleman is one who never hurts another's feelings unintentionally." 3D mentioned this to Cees S. and he sent two of his favorite Wilde observations: "To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep." And "To get back one's youth, one has merely to repeat one's follies!" The English have a way of cutting a person down to nothing in a simple sentence. Another good example is a quote from Bernard Shaw. A woman---Lady Astor, I thinhk---said to him, "If I were married to you, Mr. Shaw, I would poison you!." His reply, "If I were married to you, madam, I would gladly take it!" Here's to hemlock.
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As readers of the 3D List are aware, I have had problems with Hans van Velzen's Open Bare Bibliotheek. Recently, I was at a neighborhood library, where I read the Int Herald Tribune. Walking through the lobby there were three women standing, in a group, watching a two year old girl play with a dog. One was the head librarian. I stopped and said, "This library is going to the dogs!" Everyone laughed. I then said, "I think it would be a good idea to give the dog the OBA' director Van Velzen's job." The librarian's eyes went wide and she said in Dutch, "That's a very good idea!" The man is not well liked by his staff. Morale is low. It is time for him to move on.
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...More bashing...It has been reported in the Dutch media that there are mice in the chamber used by Parliament. Hey, it's not the mice in Parliament that we should worry anyone, it's the rats...and we know who you are Mark the Shark, Pretty Boy Gerrit, et al.
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Overheard at a political party New Years reception and said by a member of the PvdA: "International issues begin in neighborhoods." Much truth in that.
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3D loves to hate the Albert Heijn; and I use the supermarket judiciously. I tend to buy only toilet articles, milk, beer, wine and a few other items not available at smaller food shops. I NEVER buy fruits, meat or fish at a supermarket; the quality is poor and you never know how long the product has been wrapped in the cellophane; and everything is overpriced. Also, supermarkets use a method of marketing that the inexperience shopper is taken in by; it is called "loss leader." That means certain products are offered, for sale, at what they cost the supermarket---think the AH Bonus Card. The idea is to get you into the store and to buy other items that are priced excessively high. 

As why I specifically dislike the ubiquitous Albert Heijn Is for various reasons: 1. You can NOT expect to find standard items at ALL the AH branches; 2. Where the product sits, on the shelf, sometimes there is NO price tag; 3. Often, even when there is a price tag, is in NOT in agreement with the bar code readers' interpretation at the check-out counter; sometimes the difference is as much as one euro; 4. AH is often out of standard items, especially those marked as BONUS.

I won't go into any more detail at this point, but what got my goat this time was that I stopped yesterday at the AH at Koningsplein for a half liter bottle of "Rode Spa." There was NO price tag on the shelf, but I knew the AH, at the Waterlooplein, charges 41 euro cents. I was charged, this time, 89 euro cents. When I questioned the cashier, she said that prices are not all the same at AH stores. Today, I stopped at another AH branch for a half liter bottle of Rode Spa. The price? 33 euro cents. Unbelievable that one location charges three times the price of the same product as another location. There should be a law!
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WHAT YOU HAVE MISSED: 

Maatschappij Arti Et Amicitiae (Rokin 112) is an artist club, established in 1863. It begins every new year with a huge group show of their members' work. This year, there are over 200 artists hanging. It makes for a busy, busy, busy array of imagery, but with a little effort you can single out what you like. And you will like something if you like ART, because there is indeed something for everyone. You name it, they got it! There is sculpture work, photography, paintings, prints, video, conceptual,. et al. The prices ranged from the ridiculously cheap to reasonable priced. 3D saw at least ten pieces he wanted..And I was trying to be both judicious and disciplined. Go see it!!! https://www.arti.nl/ 
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3D caught the finnisage for Henri Blommers photographic exhibition at "tao gallery" (Recht Boomsloot 87) and I am very happy to report that there were 12 red dots. Blommers does photography and has several styles, something for everyone, that defines how he sees the world. One aspect, that immediately captures the eye, is his light. Several photos have dark backgrounds that project the imagery which is subtly lit. He has a series where he takes a theme and mounts several photos that in one way or another relate. There is also an interactive aspect to the series in that the public is encouraged to formulate their own conceptions. (40 euro to 950 euro; 67x45 cms., @ 330 euro.) https://bit.ly/2odTVm9 
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R&R: Reuten Galerie (Prinsengract 534) presents a group show of seven artists centered around the theme "lens based." Indeed! Photography and video works. The video work stands out because there are several new and innovative styles plus technology that is used to project the works. Everything from a quiet lake scene at night, to a snow storm in a park, to an unusual architectural "tour" of tall buildings, to a horse prancing across a city scape. The latter is presented in a visually and fascinating way. There is also 3D imagery-like objects and one work is not only dimensional but dramatically lit. And one video I will single out. It was done by Lon Godin who is stuck in a black and white world. I saw large b/w washes of hers last June, at the same gallery, and was impressed. The video is even more so; and I did not see it under the best circumstances, nor in its complete form. It was being projected on a small notebook screen; there is music, but---during the opening---it was turned off. I sat in a chair mesmerized at the changing imagery which was continuous. I was waiting for the loop to start over again. I sat there for 30 minutes before it came to an end. I then asked the gallerist how long was it? "One hour and 15 minutes. It consist of 80,000 drawings and took over a year to make." Cool! (Prices from 520 euro to 3,000 euro). Until 12th February. https://www.reutengalerie.com/ 
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ArtAffairs (Veemkade 354) is showing early work of Marinus Boezem under the title, "la lumiëre cistercienne." The etchings are from 25 year ago but they are still "new" today; if not avant garde. He visited several Catholic Cathedrals, in France, and made schematic architectural drawings of their floor shape. He then etched the imagery onto glass plates. Finally, he framed them with the glass about three cms., from the backing mat. Thus, there is an every changing shadow cast on the mat depending on the time of the day and/or the lighting in a room. This is meant to reflect what happens in a Cathedral as light passes through the stain glassed window. Cool!. There are 22 pieces from 1985, each is 50x40 cms,, and all are priced as one. Until 25th February. www.artaffairs.net.
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Ayako Rokkaku (Japan) is fun!!! She is showing at Gallery Delaive (Spiegelgracht 23) for the fifth time and you will have seen her at ArtAmsterdam every year for the last five as well. She does live paintings and this was true at this opening. Her style is contemporary impressionistic (colors) meets COBRA school...And she "paints" primarily with her fingers, just like a child and her style reflects that of a child's naïve imagery and representation of the world; and also like a child, you get the idea that she enters into her own world and is consumed by it. Eight red dots on paintings; four red dots on works-on-cardboard. (1,200 to 2,000 euro, works-on-cardboard; 2,500 to 20,000 euro paintings on canvas.) Until ???. https://bit.ly/2wvyvo6 
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"C&H art space"(2e Kostverlorenkade 50) presents Patricia Kaersenhout and "presents" could not be a more appropriate term because each piece is a production, a BIG production. Technique? Take your pick: Mixed media, collage, embroidery, tapestry...did I leave out anything? As you can imagine, the work is busy, busy, busy; and it is kitschy. If you like kitsch, you love her work. If not, well, you'll miss the point. There are both the ethnic and erotic themes in the subject matter; and some you could describe as pornographic. (30x40 cms., @ 600 euro; 70x73 cms., @ 1,200 euro.) ...In the gallery's other room there are four artists showing. The range in style is eclectic. There is a sculpture piece that goes beyond description and it is all in b/w, by Charloes Landvreugd...Another artist, Kurt Nahar, emulates the Pop School' artist Andy Warhol by using redundant portrait photographs. As an example, Sylvia Willink, the widow of Karel Willink, is seen as a reclining naked Maja. The image comes from one of Karel's paintings. Showing also is Remy Jungerman and Iris Kensmil. Until 4th February. http://ch-gallery.com/ 
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Casper Faassen is at Galerie Pien Rademakers (Prinsengracht 570) with a simple style that is highly complex. To understand that, you gotta see it. He works on canvas, old tarps and old wood. Minimal line portraits of ladies, but that 's the simple part. He also does photography, but that too is an unusual and complex style. Some works are almost subliminal, others are also vague but in intriguing ways and the imagery ranges from flowers to ladies. Nice! (200x100 cms., photos, ed 9 @ 3,900 euro; 60x40 cms., painting on plaster @ 950 eruo; 300x180 cms., painting on canvas at 9,000 euro.) Four red dots at opening. Until 19th February. https://bit.ly/2JvtSz2 
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KochXBos (1e Anjeliersdwaarstraat 3) has an exhibition for 12 photographers presenting work that was commissioned by a theater or a theater group. The result is a collection of imaginative settings and compositions with an interesting mix of styles. A few of the photographers showing are: Jan Versweyveld, Sofie Knijff, Lee van Velzen, Deen van Meer, HJochem Jurgens, et al. Until 28th January.
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TORCH (Lauriergracht 94) shows the work of Gary Carsley and in one sense there is something retro about the style/technique or appears to be. The imagery is consistent views of autumn foliage scenes. And the style resembles the 50s paint-by-number genre, but in greater detail and nuances. He also embellishes the paintings in unusual ways. Several have a human figure, all in black, which is in dramatic contrast to the colors of the background. A couple others have a chair infront of the work and the chair is painted to correspond to the image on the canvas. The gallery PR release said that he looks for the half way point between applied arts and conceptual art. He uses a data base of thousands of photographs of plastic wood, linoleum designs, table tops, etc to form the imagery. He composes it on a PC then prints it out, enlarges it and there you have it. (33x37 cms., lambda mono print @ 7,500 euro; 135x135 cms., C-print on Aludibond @ 11,000 euro.) Until 18th February. https://bit.ly/2L7qYSK 
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"Galerie bart" (Bloemgracht 2) hangs the drawings of Heidi Sincuba (South Africa). Her style is figurative and representational with a conceptual edge. She works almost exclusively in b/w---with touches of red, sometimes---using charcoal,. black wash and red chalk. What to expect? Well, there are teeth molars, a kid with a gas mask, a boy with an apple on his head, an ink plot, an igloo positioned just below a woman's vagina, trees, chess pieces...Well, you get the idea, a little of everything. There are between 80 and 90 works hanging. (30x42 cms., drawing @ 240 euro; 61x46 cms., charcoal on canvas with frame @ ?...damn, I forgot to write it down.) Until 11th February. https://bit.ly/2m4yS4n 
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A series of portrait photographs of children by Alex ten Napel is now hanging at Eduard Planting Gallery Fine Art Photographs (1e Bloemdwarsstraat 2). The title of the show is "Twelve" and that is consistent with 12 photos on display all of 12 year old children and during the year 2012. Technically, the work is very good, but more importantly they are honest portraits. That is, the kids stare into the camera lens objectively, no smiles and only a few with the hint of a grin. The series represents the visual aspects of a project-in-progress. Ten Napel also asked a few hundred 12 year old kids what they would do if they were Prime Minister of Holland and the President of the USofA. He is not sorting through over 300 replies. More to follow. (99x83 cms., Ed. 5, ink jet on dibond; @ 2,250 euro; @ 2,500 euro on perspex. 
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3D likes Jack Prins, now showing at Galerie Clement (Prinsengracht 843). This is the second time I am writing about his work and I am just as excited as the first time. He is a conceptualist sculptor that works in metal. But these are not huge pieces, but small table objects and wall hangings. The designs are simple but always captivating. There is one large piece (120x100) that's made of iron and it is, well, sorta in motion. (250 to 4,500 euro.)...Suzanne Hartmans does mixed media which are geometric abstractions. All are in b/w with a shaped wood board. Simple, but elegant. (1,600 to 1,750 euro)...Tom Jorris works in oils on canvas. The style is abstraction/expressionism, but in a minimal way and subtle in their imagery. (1,425 to 3,285 euro.) Until 14th January. https://bit.ly/2J3VcnE 
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If you have an interest in geometric/abstraction and/or typography this is a MUST SEE exhibition. Henri Jacobs (Nieuw Dakota, Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 41b, NDSM-laan, free ferry from CS) begins the show---or is it the end---with almost monochromatic black ink linear drawings which are intricate as well as captivating. These are followed by a series of Fontona-like canvases which outdo the master in their inventiveness. Next, a series of 40+ A4 geometric/abstract drawings divided into a couple of series. Each series has a redundant theme which is constantly reinvented. At the conclusion, is Jacobs design for the alphabet which is avant garde and highly stylized. Until 19th February. https://nieuwdakota.com/ 
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...Hey, kill two birds with one stone...Next door to the Nieuw Dakota is Motive Gallery's new location (Ms. Riemsdijkweg 41a) and they are showing Louis De Cordier (USofA) and his boat show. Kid you not! He works with North American White Pine and digs out and shapes the tree's trunk much like the Indians did to make their canoes. He has various shapes, but all are simple and streamlined. Each is mounted on a three legged iron pedestal which perfectly compliments the piece. (140x15x18 cms., @ 7,000 euro; 137.5x23.25 cms., @ 9,000 euro; 228x15.5x12 cms., @ 9,000 euro.) Until 3rd March. http://www.motivegallery.nl/ 
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Two ceramic artist, Jeffrey Haines (USofA) and Rem Posthuma (NL), share the stage at De Witte Voet (Kerkstraat 135). Haines does small works that are free form in style. But more often than not, they seem to relate to something in the real world. In fact, one piece looks like "brass knuckles" an aggressive hand weapon. Many of the pieces are decorated with linear lines and sometimes gold plated. (A set of 24 @ 5,200 euro; 60 to 1,200 euro per pieces for the rest.)...Rem Posthuma does something completely different. He creates diamond-like clusters, that are wall hangings, in five sections. Each piece measures about 100x100 cm.s Another piece is on the floor. It is a larger free form work, in clay (300x270 cms.) made up of individual geometric/abstract designs that resembles a big jigsaw puzzle. Cool! (Diamond clusters, 5 pieces @ 2,800 euro; two works at 560 and 1,100 euro.) Until 18th February. https://bit.ly/2NSLxnD 
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Ben Joppe had a long life, 1915 to 2007. This retrospective exhibition titled "Sashiburi: long time no see," at Steendrukkerij Amsterdam (Lauriergracht 80), of his oeuvre, reveals much about his style over the years. In the 50s, he traveled to Japan; he was both influenced and educated in black brush stoke painting/drawings. Thus the work is linear in style for the most part, as well as, simple. But he also did expressionistic paintings which, again, reflect the Eastern influences while remaining true to the western style. Prints and mono types are also on display. (41x30 acrylic on paper, 2004 @ 600 euro; 55x33 mono type,, 1060, @ 1,250 euro; 120x70 cms., acrylic on canvas, 2001 @ 3,250 euro.) Until 18th Febuary. https://bit.ly/2NkuUAi 
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The art of drawing is NOT dead, but alive and well and displayed at Ron Mandos (Prinsengracht 282) Rik Smits makes pencil drawings, but it is more than just pencil on paper, but truly monumental creations both in subject matter and size. His style is basically architectural. The building designs reflect the best of Art Deco 20s' style to Mies van der Rohe's Bauhaus glass modular constructions. And there are small highly detailed examples, as well, which are generally dramatic because the building is collapsing after being dynamited. However, the piece d'resistance, of the show, is a stupendous, epic and panoramic drawings, measuring 350x240 cms., of an island city. At the center, is a huge cube-like structure closely resembling the like structure at La Defence, in Paris. It is flanked by 100+ structures that are much smaller in scale, but still monumental in concept. The "island" is surrounded by a wharf with several docks for both ships and airplanes. Airplanes? Well, yeah, airplanes. There is an F-22 Stealth fighter-bomber and F-16 fighter jets as well as your run-of-the-mill aircraft career. Truly a stunning piece.(21x29 cms., pencil on paper @ 1,100 euro; 180x240 pencil on paper @ 6,300 euro; 240x350, price on request.) 

A complementary feature is an exhibition for Constant, the COBRA artist. But the work is from around1960 and with a architectural theme and city planning scematic drawings and designs (done with Brom Wisman). In addition, there are small---about 5x10 cms---etchings that are architectural in their design and subject matter. Until 11th February https://bit.ly/1NONWvU 
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VOUS ETES ICI (Lijnbaansgracht 314) has a group show, of several artists, and the styles range from representational to geometric/abstract to photography to a few pieces that make you say "WOW!!! Look at that!" Joachim Grommek has painted a geometric/abstract work with fantastic colors. Then there is "The Drawing Club," by Koen Taselaar which is a huge pencil drawings with a combination of styles and lots of typography. Nice! Couldn't find a price list...Sorry. Until ______. https://bit.ly/2vwApoe 
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And through the hallway there is LUMEN TRAVO with Ibrahim Qurashi (Kenya) who has selected portrait photographs of his family---mainly his grandfather and taken in 1920. He has made an outline of the portrait and made prints. He then ask several children to do the coloring. He asked them to bring their own identity into the colors. Thus each one is completely different while always the same. A print was made of each and the image transferred to a metal plate. In the other gallery, there is an interesting wall print (done with his own designed wall paper) that covers three walls. But, you gotta see it! (A4 prints on metal Ed 3 @ damn, forgot to jot down the price...now that was dumb.) Until 18th February. https://bit.ly/2NlXt0m 
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...And just a few doors down and you are at AKINCI with the work of Charlotte Schleiffert who is back for, well, must be the third or fourth time which is not bad for such a young artist. Unfortunately, 3D never knows how to adequately describe Schleiffert work. She makes drawings in chalk and pastel. Big drawings! That part is easy. the style is more difficult to explain. In some respect they resemble street art, but it also has a fantasy element and some pieces you might say are even grotesque. Whatever! The work is certainly not for everyone, but there is no denying the drama in each work. (238x151 cms., mixed media on paper @ 8,500 euro; 410x176x84 cms., plaster, wood and mixed technique @ 20,000 euro.) Until 18th February. http://akinci.nl/
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"Van Krimpen...Back in Town." Anyway, that's what it said on the door...And it is the Wim van Krimpen of KunstHall and Museum Den Haag Gemeente fame (Hazenstraat 20) The artist is Jop Vissers Vorstenbsch who is an expressionist; and if you think you have seen it all as far as expressionism goes, well, think again. True, some piece explode from the canvas like a bomb, something you expect from expressionism, but others reflect the universe in a gentle way and some are just stunning. (55x40 acrylic/oil @ 800 euro; 100x150 cms., acrylic/oil @ 2,200 euro.) NINE RED DOTS at opening. Until 18th February. 
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"Portable Monuments" with the duo Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin (UK) are at Galerie Gabriel Rolt (Elandsgracht 34) with a series of 85 works on paper. It "is a contemporary re-working of The War Primer, a book by Bertolt Brecht published in 1955." "Don't start with the good old things but the bad new ones," Brecht said. The artists have "gathered their material from the Internet - compressing, uploading, ripping, squeezing, reformatting and re-editing often anonymous images - rather than sifting through newspapers with a pair of scissors." What you get are A4 size b/w prints with a section overlapped with red see-through cellophane. The subject matter tends to be grim, sometime very grim. (29x24 cms. silkscreen prints on paper. Ed 8. Price...not listed.) Until 18th February. https://bit.ly/2nFBTck 
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"gallery 9" (Keizersgracht 552) is showing the stone sculpture work of Jantien Kahn for the first time. She works in both marble and limestone. She creates simple, elegant and monumental forms. The designs are almost "quiet", that is, they don't jump out at you, but still get your attention. In some pieces she defines the material by making hundreds of short-rib grooves. One piece combines the latter with a polished side (18.5x12.5x9 cms., Paonazzo marble 550 euro; 35x41x146 cms., Irish blue lime/French limestone @ 4,300; others 1,900 to 2,700 euro) ...Showing with her is Anjeliek Blaauw who is a sculpture turned painter. There are two small bronze sculpture works, by her, hanging on the wall along side her paintings. The paintings are basically expressionistic, but it is the technique that catches the eye. She works on perspex; and she paints with outdoor lacquer paint. Sometimes the piece is hung with the paint on the back and you see it through the plastic; other times, you see the paint on the surface. (30x30x2 cms., bronze @ 1,500 euro; 105x75 cms., outdoor lacquer on acrylic @ 1,00 euro; 195x75 outdoor lacquer on acrylic @ 3,300 euro.) Until 11th February https://bit.ly/2O2dGJ6
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Sieb Swarti (NL) calls himself "the photographer of the built environment." He focuses on the Dutch waterworks and how it deals with the threat of the North Sea. Twenty-four photos are all aerial shots of Holland and on view at Huis Marseilles (Keizersgracht 401). They are panoramic and while there is no doubt as to what their representation is they are also geometric abstractions which reflect remarkably well the landscaping of the country. Sometimes defined by polders and sometimes by Dutch engineering at its best. 3D loves mountains, but this exhibit makes a flat landscape very beautiful too....Showing, also, is the work of the Japanese photographer Naoya Hatakeyama. He represented Japan at the 49th Venice Biennial. "He takes pictures not of plants or animals but stones and minerals." There are four photos that exemplify this under the title Ciel Tombe which is a "technical term that refers to the dilapidated state of roofs in the tunnels beneath the Bols de Vicennes, Paris." In another gallery there are 59 photos depicting the tsunami disaster which destroyed the city of his birth. Even more tragically, Hatakeyama's mother was killed in the flooding. His still photos capture the devastation better than any video image you have seen; that's because it focuses on individual areas and structures. There is also a section that highlights the industrial infrastructure of Japan; both the old and the new. Until 26th February. https://www.huismarseille.nl/ 
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At Gerhard Hofland (neé: Ashenbach and Hofland Galleries, Bilderdijkstraat 165) is the work of Roland Horvath (Hungary). There is something about his painting that are reminiscent of the late 19th century De Haagse School. And you see it two ways: The darkly painted canvases and in the subject matter like still lifes and flower arrangements. But his stroke work is quick like that of an expressionist. What makes this an even more interesting show is the contrast and dichotomy of these two artistic styles. (30x30 oil on canvas @ 1,200 euro; 60x60 cms., oil on canvas @ 2,000 euro; 110x210 oil on canvas @ 4,500 euro.)...Also on show is Ani Eloyan whose style is comic strip art meets the street artist. The innocence of the imagery, on the comic pages, and the provocative elements common to the street artists. She bring it all together with erotic elements mixed with fantasy and the dream world. She is a recent graduate (2010) of the Rietveld Academy and off to a very good start in her professional life; there were FIVE red dots at the opening. (53.5x50.4 cms., mixed media on paper @ 1,200 euro; 265x218 cms., mixed media on canvas @ 4,800.) Damn, the exhibition closed the 10th of January. http://gerhardhofland.com/en/ 
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Jeanine Hofland Contemporary Art (De Clercqstraat 62) has on exhibit the work of Rumiko Hagiwara (Japan) who is a conceptualist that leans towards the minimal. She likes shadows and several works are in b/w. Two drawings, in pencil, are white pillow cases, but for all practical purposes they are abstractions with very good contrast. She had crated a stack of 1000 books----15 books to a layer---that is about 125 cms., high. Each book is 8.5x5.5 cms., and in only b/w. As you flip through one, you get an animated-like geometric abstract production, minimally. One work is described as "tube, wall, tram stop sign and title plate." What a mouthful and an eye full.What it is is a black hole, about the diameter of a pencil, bored into wood. You look through the hole and then you understand the title. It is an edition of 1/1 and priced @ 3,500 euro; the most minimal and simple piece in the show and at the highest price. That may be very Japanese. (flip book, 20x25x.5 cms.,. Ed. 30 @ 25 euro; "Thousand of space between black and white," Ed. 1000 @ 15 euro; most other pieces are in limited editions and priced at 1,000 euro up.) Until 11th February. https://bit.ly/1hWdbzL 
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Michael Jacklin is back at SLEWE gallery for the eight time. His a a conceptual metal sculptor. His designs are linear and modular and could not be more simple. In that context he makes forms that are not only unique but have a timeless quality to them. They will always be avant garde. (4,500 to 8,000 euro.) Until 11th February. https://www.slewe.nl/ 
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Galerie Josine Bokhoven is showing Roger Ackling that, like the above artist, makes simple objects. He works with old wood; and there are two styles. One is to make collages from 5 to 15 pieces. Another, which is more conceptual, is his burning a zig-zag pattern into the old wood and then extends the pattern using yarn and lets it zig-zag down the wall for several meters. Cool! One piece straddles two walls beginning at a piece of wood and ending at one. (3,170 to 6,500 euro.) Until 21st February. https://bit.ly/2JHGNOt 
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Jürgen Vijfschiff is at Galerie Op Stekker (Noorderstraat 61) with photography. The shows title is "Costade Morte Galerië." There is a central theme to the work and that is rocks and stones found by the sea. But you see more than the cold forms of stone. He focus on the organic life that somehow exists in this often cruel and rugged environment like small flowers growing from the cracks, in the rocks, or an insect sunning itself or the starfish clinging to the cold surface. All are in glorious color which helps with the subtle contrast of browns of the rocks and the blue of the sea and sky. (22x30 cms., @ 175 euro; 45x30 cms., @ 225; 40x50 cms., @ 425 euro.) Until 21st February. www.???? 
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At Ten Haaf Project (Lauierstraat 248) is "The Big Picture" which is an exhibition of four photographers, both living and dead. Amongst the departed is Weegee (1899-1968) who recently had an exhibition at "foam." He was one of the first photojournalist. He listened to the New York Police radio band and followed them around town photographing the blood and splatter of murder. He often developed the photos from the trunk of his car so as to have a scoop on other photographers (19x25 cms., @ 4,750 euro.)...Another fellow American is Garry Winogrand (1928-1986) who also recently showed at "foam." He roamed the streets of America photographing the "social issues and relationships between humans." (24x32 cms., Ed. 37/80 @ 3,300 euro.)...Anders Goldfarb has been an assistant to Saul Leiter. The latter is now showing at the Jewish Historical Museum. He only shoots in b/w and "documents the world around him." (28x28 cms., Ed. 1/5 @ 750 euro)...Mark Alor Powell (Mexico) photographs Mexico City with a "cold representation reality, his images often consist of dark humor." There is also a photo by Man Ray on display. (26x40 cms., Ed. 1/5 @ 725 euro.) Until 18th February. https://bit.ly/2ux13gg 
*** 

Well, that was a lot to read...But...There is ALWAYS much going on in Amsterdam on the Art Scene...What a joy to live in a city which puts culture right up there with garbage collecting when it comes to attention. But, hey, folks, some one's gotta pay for it...And that someone is YOU. BUY, BUY and BUY some more. Save an artist and you save his family. 

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