Modern Masterpieces: Redefining Portraiture
Through three iconic works of art, you will gain a deeper understanding of modern and contemporary art. You'll learn more about how and why these masterpieces have become benchmarks in art history.
In this edition, we delve into the work of Frida Kahlo, Ana Mendieta, and Felix González-Torres – three artists who each redefined the genre of portraiture in unique and groundbreaking ways. Discover Kahlo’s vibrant, symbolically rich self-portraits, which center on personal events from her life. Explore the profound connection between humans and nature in Mendieta’s photography. And experience how candy becomes the building blocks of a portrait of a loved one in the work of González-Torres. Learn more about the creation of these trailblazing artworks and the controversy they sparked.
Img. Felix González-Torres (detail).
Gallery Tour
Do you enjoy visiting galleries but hesitate to step inside on your own? Or do you want to catch up on the latest developments in the world of contemporary art?
Join this gallery tour, where you’ll explore the Amsterdam gallery scene together with other art enthusiasts. We’ll visit three galleries that are within walking distance of each other. During the tour, you’ll discover the works of emerging talent and established names, while also getting to know Amsterdam’s gallery owners better.
Private Collection Visit: Nigel Bagley & Lorraine Dean
Rather than being ‘collectors’, Nigel and Lorraine consider themselves as ‘accumulators’ of art. And, over the last 25 years, they have accumulated more than 300 contemporary art pieces that fill every available surface in their apartment.
Whilst skewed towards photography, with work by Dutch artists including Viviane Sassen and Awoiska van der Molen and international artists including Pieter Hugo and Micheal Wolf, the accumulation also includes traditional paint on canvas, including work by Katinka Lempe and Esiri Erheriene-Essi, sculptural work from the likes of Hans op de Beeck and Adam Jeppesen, conceptual works and even sound pieces.
They are often asked what is the ‘red line’ that connects the art that they have. For many years they struggled to answer this question. However, looking holistically, through their apartment, visitors will notice that the portrayal of people and the absence of people are themes the unite the collection/accumulation.
Img. A typical corner in Nigel and Lorraine’s apartment with work by Paul Richard, Marjolein Rothman, Wang Zi Wong, Navid Nuur, Studio Drift, Koos Booster, Gijs Assmann and Tracey Snelling.
Access Granted? Breaking In and Breaking Down the Art World
Stepping into the art world can feel like entering a curated dream—sometimes yours, often someone else's. It is a space where expressions intermingle with power structures and cultural narratives.
But behind the white cube of the gallery walls and the polished name cards lies a more profound question: who gets to create, participate, and belong? What are the barriers to not only enter the art world but also thrive within it? How are the boundaries of access, recognition, and visibility shaped?
Together with SPUI25, we delve into the systemic and personal challenges that may arise for cultural professionals who are about to enter the field. This program aims to identify critical issues and propose actionable solutions for cultural practitioners aiming to navigate and reshape the art world. Together with a number of guest speakers from within the field, we will focus on addressing these barriers and ways to overcome those. The evening will include a brief masterclass on the innerworkings of the art world and how you can secure your spot right at the centre of it.
Access Granted? Breaking In and Breaking Down the Art World is for anyone who is curious to learn more about the inner workings of the art world or has questions on where to start after graduating with a humanities degree. How can we examine the interplay between who participates and how spaces are accessed? What are the ways in which we can nurture a creative ecosystem where individual and collective voices can thrive and feel welcomed? Together, we will imagine an art world that breaks boundaries, fosters dialogue, and welcomes all to create, experience, and belong.
Travel: Cape Town
South Africa's dynamic Cape Town is home to Investec Cape Town Art Fair. This art fair brings the international art world together in Africa: more than 100 leading galleries present more than 500 artists from four continents, and is above all a great place to discover artists and galleries from the African continent.
Our four-day program includes a.o. visits to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz Mocaa), the largest museum on the African contintent, studio visits with Cape Town-based artists and a wine tasting and art tour at the Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, about 30 minutes outside of Cape Town. The Spier Collection is South Africa's largest collection of contemporary art. This trip will take place Feb. 20-23, 2025.
More information on travel, lodging and costs can be found here.
Travel: Riga
Join us for a trip to Riga from 16 - 18 May. Explore the vibrant world of contemporary art at various galleries, museums, and exhibition spaces across Riga, where you can witness innovative works by emerging and established artists alike. We will visit the newest generation of Latvian artists at PILOT, an experimental art space that is part of the Latvian art academy and explore the cities project spaces that are known for operating on the intersection of art, sciences and cutting-edge technologies that give new artistic forms and expressions.
One of the cities most impressive art venues is Zuzeum, originally a cork factory that site been reborn into the hippest art space in Riga. It hosts the private collection of art collector couple Jānis and Dina Zuzāni, showcasing works that span from the 19th century to the present. During our walks in the city we will encounter lots of street art as well, as the city is knows for its colorful murals. A group dinner and welcome drink are included in our program.
Deadline for registration: February 1. More information about the program, registration and costs can be found here.