Going back in time: Daniel Gould’s 3D List, Art in Amsterdam #90

Sad to say there is little good news concerning the Amsterdam art market. Sales are stagnant! From time to time, one or two galleries has a successful selling exhibition, but it has not been contagious. The housing market is making a comeback, but not the art market. Pity! Please do something about it! Buy...buy...and buy some more. 

INDEX:

Bits & Pieces:

Museum Reviews: Amsterdam Museum: Made in Amsterdam

                                Huis Marseille: Jeroen Robert Kramer, UNE FEMME

                                "foam": Henk Wildschut: Calais. From Jungle to City
                        
What's Happening at the Galleries:

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BITS & PIECES:

"Opening up the art market,"  by Scott Reyburn (www.inyt.com), 11th April). This sounds great! A new app---and FREE---that allows "The user to take a photo of an art work with a mobile devise. Within seconds, Magnus provides the name of the artist, gallery price, past dealer and auction prices of other works, and the artist's exhibition history. The image can be shared via text, email, Instagram, Facebook and other social media..." "Magnus uses digital recognition technology" to do the trick.
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Sign seen in a clothing shop window on the Kinkerstraat, "Buy Now...Cry Later."  And the final phrase has the paint running down the window like tears down your cheek. Cool!
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Seen on my FACEBOOK page: "Money can't buy happiness but it is more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle." Hey, no argument here!
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H.L. Mencken (1880-1956) was a writer/journalist who commented on the American society. Sometimes satirically and sometimes with tongue in cheek: "Morality is doing right no matter what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, no matter what is right."
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MUSEUM REVIEWS:  Amsterdam Museum:  Made in Amsterdam: 100 works of art over 100 years 

The job for a curator(s), at a museum, is more than knowing what is in the museum's collection. He/she looks for themes that will expose the many facets of its catalog of works. Museums like the Rijks, and Stedelijk always feature the gems of their collections, permanently in place, to their world audience that has traveled to Amsterdam to see the masterpieces. They promote special exhibitions which include pieces from their collections and other museums. 

I mention this because there are also small museums which have neither the depth nor money to formulate major shows. However, with a little imagination, not to mention with a lot of research and work, these museums do present exciting events. One very good example is the new exhibition at the Amsterdam Museum.

Over the years, their collection has grown. Its key element is its Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age; the lesser known "brothers and sisters" to Rembrandts' Nightwatch. And it is also eclectic. All styles, genres and techniques have been cataloged. Many came from donations. In this present show you will see the work of George Hendrik Breitner, Karel Appel, and a contemporary star, Marlene Dumas. Then there are the lesser known artist who have lived, worked or had made long visits in the city: Gustave de Smet, Frieda Hunziker and Nola Hatteman. To make the show more relevant the works are hung chronologically. This is interesting...You can walk through the show from 1916 to 2016 or from 2016 to 1916. It is your choice. You might even try doing it both ways, and that's not a bad idea for a show as good as this. 

You will see a wide subject range of styles: portraits, city scapes, geometric abstracts, photography, film, sculpture pieces, and nearly everything with liner notes. The latter puts the art work into context giving depth to our understanding of its relevancy. With that in mind, I strongly suggest that you enhance the experience, of this exhibition, by investing in the catalog. It is a perfect coffee-table or toilet book. Each work of art is reproduced but, more importantly, a biography of about 1000 words about the picture and artist adds immeasurably to your visual experience. In fact, it will probably inspire you to see Made in Amsterdam a second time. (22.50 euro) 

Until 31st July

Amsterdam Museum, Kalverstraat 92

www.amsterdammuseum.nl 

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At Huis Marseille (Keizersgracht401) is Jeroen Robert Kramer with UNE FEMME. He presents a series of photographs of Beirut that consist of vintage photos of the city "just before, and just after, the civil war". As a photographer, he is searching for the beauty in the banal, "I want to make work that's about ordinary life. I want subtly and poetry". The time period is from 1975 to 1990. Until 5th June. www.huismarseille.nl 

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At "foam" Henk Wildschut mounts photographs around the theme: Calais. from Jungle to City. 

Just outside of the port city of Calais in France another world community began to raise its head about two years ago. Refugees from Africa and the Middle East, hoping to gain entrance to England, but were prevented from legally crossing the English channel, built illegal camps. This exhibition begins with the ending of the first camp situated in a woods. It was destroyed by police, but the immigrants moved to the dunes. "The Jungle", as it is known, is a community that in January 2016 had 40 restaurants, 43 shops, 6 hamams (Turkish baths), 8 bakers, 4 hairdressers, and 7 bars/discos. There are also churches, mosques and libraries. 

Henk Wildschut began his photographic series with the abandoned camp in the woods. He follows the building of the "tent" city with both tents and wooden structures. The show is a visually explicit rendering of the grim realities of camp life. You see all aspects including the aftermath of a fire that destroyed several of the "homes". The show does not play on your emotions by focusing on the residents, but their living conditions will make you feel the tragedy of the situation. 

One down side to the show. All liner notes are in Dutch. However, at the entrance to the exhibit I found a description of it in English. Later I would find a four page fold over with  photos and English text that gave them more meaning. I asked at the desk where one could find it. The man said he didn't know what I was talking about. 

Until: 5th June 

Keizersgracht 609 

www.foam.org 
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE GALLERIES:

Wanrooij Gallery (Stadhouderskade 41) presents unusual work by Bert Vredegoor. It is his two competely different techniques that will get your attention. For one, he uses a laser cutting machine which finely segmates a sheet of acrylic plastic. The resulting imagery is reminiscent of Islamic geometric/abstract tile work common in mosques. Simple designs with many intricate parts. Then there are works on velvet. Since 1983, he has been spray painting, in b/w, on the material. 

There is a large work (235x232 cms) which is a collection of 851 separate laser cut forms. They are conneted with plastic hooks and the piece extends 2.5 cms., from the wall. The front is a mirror plastic and the back of each section is painted in a pale green which reflects on the wall. This is also true of other acrylic cut works on display. And it is possible to  customize the "pattern screens" by size. Starting at a size of 120x120 cms., (@ 5,000 euro)  you can add as many sections as you wish for an additional cost. (92x92 cms., laser-cut acrylic, Ed. 10 @ 2,500 euro; 173x128 cms., spray paint on velvet, Ed 10; 235x232x2.5 cms., Laser-cut acrylic, mirror foil @ 10,000 euro)  Until 14th May. www.wanrooijgallery.nl 
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As you enter De Witte Voet (Kerkstraat 135) you are confronted with an installation which consists of many parts including balloons. The work, by Shu-Mei Chan (USA),  is a combination of clusters. The clusters are individual "sticks" bound together in a star form. The balloons hold some upright. The "sticks" are available for purchase as one (@10 euro) or as a group (@ 9 for 75 euro; @ 48 for 300 euro)...Anton Reijnders (NL) creates pieces often around egg-like objects. He also features two installations which are conceptual with linear  nuances. (600 to 4,800 euro)....Takako Higashinhata (JAP) makes objects as wall hangings. They are minimal but exhibit unexpected complexity. (125 to 900 euro). Until  14th May. www.galeriedewittevoet.nl 
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At BMB (Kerkstraat 129) there is a group show for eight artists: seven female and one male. Several styles and techniques are represented: paint, print, sculpture, oil, ceramic, video, porcelain, and glass. Marjan Jaspers (NL) brings something new to the canvas: video. The colorful painted compostitions provide a "frame" for a small VDV screen (50x65 cms., oil on panel, video @ 1,600 euro)....Bea van der Heijden (NL) does small impressionistic portraits. The style is akin to Marlene Dumas. (15x15 cms., graphite on paper @ 165 euro)...Yvon Trossel (NL) does colorful glass figurines. The imagery is vague though a few could be described as conceptual figuraitve. (295 euro)....Dorien Platt (NL) does abstract portraits with shades of  Francis Bacon. (18x24 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 275 euro)...Kirsten Brünjes (Ger)  makes ceramioc figures ranging fromhuman to rabbits,dogs and elephants. (420 to 620)...Also showing are: Carla Rump, Astrid Oudheusden, Sven Robin Nibbeling. 4 RED DOTS at opening. Until 28th May www.galeriebmb.nl 
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Galerie "bart" (Elandsgracht 16) is an exhibition for two artist. Rens Krikhaar (NL) works in b/w with pencil and chalk. He makes intricate drawings with haunting imagery. There is a metaphysical feel much like what  you get from William Blake or Hieronymus Bosch. You have to put your nose to the glass to define the variety of images and symbols. (29x20 cms., pen & chalk, crayon @ 650 euro; 29.5x41.5 cms.,pencil on paper @ 1,350 euro)....Daniela Schwabe (NL) does large paintings with disorientated imagery. The shape of the images reminds you of portraits and the fact that the "portrait" floats above a uniform jacket reinforces the effect. Well, the portrait part isn't a portrait after all. This is an abstraction and totaly undefineable. The colors for each composition are in different shades and almost appeared to be monochromatic. Until 14th May www.galeriebart.nl 
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Vassie (Langestraat 47) is hanging the work of Lartigue (FR; 1894-1986). He was an undiscovered photographer until late in his life. Photography was his hobby and since he came from a family  with money he could indulge himself into the art without concern for its possible commercialism. And he was an "inventor" of sorts. He created his own way of doing and processing color photography before Kodak. This show is a very good cross section of what he snapped: early flying machines; car races, to beach scenes with pretty ladies. The work is both in b/w and color. He had his own formula for color processing by using potato starch. (Price vary from 1,300 euro for a 24x30 print, Ed 12; 30x40 cms., "estate print"  open edition @ 1,500 euro; to a few priced at 13,000 euro.) Until 21st May. www.galleryvassie.com 
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Ornis A Gallery (Hazenstraat 11) presents a group show for three artists. Boono van Doorn (NL) has a rather innovative technique in that he makes "LED paintings". The surface area is all black but divided by abstract symbols and each not only is a different color but each color is evolving into other shades. (80x60 cms., LED paintings @ 2,000 euro.)....Johanna Kristbjorg Sigur Oardottir  makes geometric/abstract objects. She also has a floor/wall installation which is very special in its composition and the objects she uses. (30x42x7 cms., bronze @ 1,700 euro;  138x180x250 cms., wood, paper, cork and fake flowers @ 3,000 euro.)....Hanae Wilke (NL) creates sculpted objects in geometric configurations using various materials like epoxy resin, paint pigments, face powder, steel and leather. (160x140 cms., @ 4,000 euro). Until 23rd April https://ornisagallery.com/
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Irina Ionesco (Fr/Romania) is at REFLEX (Weteringschans 79A) with erotic and often provocative photographs of females. The imagery harks back to the 20s and 30s. A model is "dressed" like Sally Bowles in the film Cabaret. Another's eye make-up is reminiscent of the cartoon character, at the same time, Betty Boop. The  make-up is often as bizarre as are many of the poises like a naked lady with spread legs and blocking our view of her vagina is a severed man's head. And the costumes are weird too. Ionesco's b/w contrast reflect the best of Paul Strand and Walker Evans. Also available is a book in an edition of 50 signed and numbered with one original print @ 650 euro. (Each photo in three sizes, no edition numbers listed, prices range from 2,650 to 6,360 euro) Until 16th April https://reflexamsterdam.com/
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Two artists show at Stigter van Doesburg (Elandstraat 90). Wouter Paijmans bases his work on the things he sees around him in his studio. He makes objects from aluminum that resemble ladders, stools/chairs, and even scaffolding. Two large paintings reflect the American Expressionist movement of the 50s. (100x80x30 cms., aluminum, nuts & bolts, wood, rivets @ 2,500 euro; 200x180 cms., oil on canvas @ 3,500 euro)....Robin Waart shows colorful collage/drawings or rubbings. The work is simple and there is a focus on typography. (31x22 cms., crayon on b/w laser print @ 600 euro)  Until: 23rd March. Oops. You missed it! www.stigtervandoesburg.com 
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Peter Smit is at ArtACasa (Kerkstraat 411) with sea and city scapes and his style is that of an impressionist/expressionist. Think of the technique of Kees Maks in the last century. He not only emulates Maks' brushstrokes, but while his work is colorful it is colorful in a soft way. Unlike most of the impressionist/expressionist it doesn't visually scream at you. (Oil on canvas, 950, 2,000 to 2,600 euro)...Romee Kanis exhibits bronze work. Her work is figurative and focuses on ballet and Flamenco dancers, athletes, birds, etc. What she brings to her art is the sense of motion and the rhythms of the body. She says, "Dance does not only please my eye, but also touches through the eye my soul". (Bronze, 900 to 1,950 euro)  Until 26th April. www.artacasa.nl
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KochxBos (1e Anjeliersdwarsstraat 36) is exhibiting Jed Martin (FR) with his first show in the Netherlands. He is a photographer who has two specialties: Photographing Michelin maps; and images of utensils. In fact, as to the latter, he has documented 11,000 photos. There are 15 examples hanging. The imagery is sharp and to the point. The maps, of course, being maps, are linear and colorful studies with chaotic compositions.  Until 16th April. www.kochxbos.com 
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Two new jewelry artists are showing at RA Gallery (Nes 120). Frieda Doerfer (Ger) makes "eggs" and how appropriate that the opening  was the day before Easter. One series comprises two eggs on a cross bar, one silver and one gold and it is a necklace. She has also created a series of egg-shaped brooches with geometric designs. (Sterling silver, guillochiert pin back, silver, stainless steel @ 770 to 990 euro)....Kartin Feulner (Ger) takes found objects---some whose purpose is unknown to her---and disassembles them. Some of the objects look like a small shovel or cow bells. She crafts them into necklaces. All works are matte black. (25.5x7 cms., iron @ 1,220; 35x16.5 cms., iron @ 2,200 euro)  Until 7th May. www.galerie-ra.nl 
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"mini galerie" is featuring the first solo exhibition for Merijn Hos (NL). He hangs 15 pencil drawings that are of an unusual conceptual, figurative/realist style. Basically, there are all simple line drawings depicting birds, people---sort of---and flowers. Also there are colorful works on paper that emulate stained glass window designs. They are intricate geometric/abstract configurations. The structure lines tend to be black and frame quiet pastel colors. A very large painting is a rainbow of colors. Several free-standing wood objects are in the show and reflect the colors and design of the paintings. They are painted on both sides. (80x36x19 cms., acrylic on wood @ 950 euro; 70x100 cms., acrylic, primer, and pigment powder on wood @ 1,700 euro; 210x210 cms., acrylic on paper, price on request) 3 RED DOTSUntil 16th April  www.minigalerie.nl
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Franck Bragigand (NL/FR) is at LUMEN TRAVO (Lijnbaansgract 314). There are over 100 examples of his work hanging . He describes them as paintings, but they don't resemble the traditional technique. He sees that world in circles. Every work is a collection of circles and almost always with typography. The press release says, "The new system he highlights is based only on circles,  connecting colors, words, and information. This enables him to paint anytime, any civilization, any history and any notion." He cleverly hangs some works, in a series, as a group and together you get the sense of a collage. Expect monochromatic to very colorful work. Until 16th April www.lumentravo.nl
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Reuten Galerie (Pinsengracht 510) shows two artists. What is exciting about gallery hopping is there is almost a guarantee you will see some new artistic expression. Sometimes it is the style; sometimes the form. And sometimes both are roll into one and something new. This came to mind with the show for Alexa Meyerman. In once sense, her work is akin to a children's shadow box in an avant garde way. Then there is another element that reminds you of a hand held Kaleidoscope that you held to your eye and twisted at the bottom and viewed an infinite variety of geometric abstractions. Got the picture? Probably not since the work is unique. (Acrylic on paper, Perspective @ 500 to1,500 euro)...Daan van Wel has a sense of humor. He does glazed ceramic figurines. They have human bodies but faces resembling Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. (40x30x25 cms., ceramic, luster or glaze @ 1,980 euro) Until 14th May https://www.reutengalerie.com/ 
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No Man's Art Gallery is an unusual art gallery. It is sort of a Pop-Up...and it pops up in Hamburg, Mumbai, Paris, Copenhagen, Shanghai, Cape Town and, of course, Amsterdam---their next destination is Tehran. Supported by a crowd funding group is puts its artist on "tour" going from one city to the next. And they emphasize that they "sell works...for a modest price." At their Amsterdam' location (Nieuw Herengract 123) they present two young Russian artists. Olya Leontleva has an unusual abstract style. At times the works almost looks realistic. There is something about her compositions that are mesmerizing. (460-650 euro)...Maxim Santalov does geometric abstracts and with lots of color. (500 to 1,260 euro) Until 22nd May  www.nomansart.com 
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There appears to be a new trend in the art world....The review above mentioned that the gallery No Man's Art has locations in other cities around the world. Another new gallery, in Amsterdam, Kunstverein (Gerard Doustraat 132), says it is a "franchise" operation with other locations in Milan, New York and Toronto. It is also a "not for profit" operation. 

The current show, at the Amsterdam gallery, is for Jessica Warboys. As you enter the space, you see a ramp like a catwalk and as you decend into the gallery you see both on your left and right "large scale 'sea' paintings".  The one on the left is floor to ceiling and stretches the lenght of the room. 3D would classify it as more of an abstract painting. She also makes bent metal lighting as well as sculptured objects. On the walls are paintings which could be homage to Piet Mondrian's linear abstracts, though even more simple. The unusual frames set the works off very nicely. Until 10th June. www.kunstverein.nl 
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Konrad Wyrebek is at Galerie Ron Mandos (Prinsengracht 282) with geometric/abstract paintings that just don't look like paintings. You would swear that you were looking at blown-up photographic imagery from a PC showing the rectangular pixels but that's the illusion. He paints hundreds of small boxes and a wide range of colors, but a few are in b/w and shades of gray. (76x61 cms., oil acrylic, sspray paint, UV ink, varnish on canvas @ 7,900  euro; Dyptich, 200x150 cms., ech @ 31,000 euro) 5 RED DOTS at opening. Until 14th May. www.ronmandos.nl
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KYAS Art Salon (Keizersgracht 221) has a group show for three artists. Jacquelline Lamme (NL) focuses on realistic/impressionistic paintings of birds like robins, owls, and woodpeckers. They are colorful. (480 to 3,500 euro)...Justine Albronda (NL) is into female clothing from blouses to dresses to robes and jackets. And, while they are realistic, there is a glimmer of the geometric abstract. (540 to 1,950)....Caroline Curtis (NL) works in ceramic. It reflects the Delft Blue style in color, but in imagery and composition it is uniquely her work. She uses sea life as a subject matter, especially the octopus. But it is the compositions that give this work its unique qualities. (place size, 85 to 350 euro). 30th April. www.kyasartsalon.com 
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Erik Hijweege (NL) is at Eduard Planting Gallery (1e Bloemdwarsstraat 2) with photographic views of the American west. He captures the emptiness of the landscape as well as its seemingly never ending sky. While it is a barren and lifeless, it is both panoramic and spectacular. You will see the Monument Valley in Utah to the Badlands of South Dakota. Hijweege uses these natural phenomenon against and endless and often angry sky. They are all in b/w. Landscape photography at its best! (Various sizes and editions for each photo with prices from 2,850, 4,150 and 6,500 euro)  Until 7th May www.eduardplanting.com 
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Irma Boom is an internationally known book designer with over 300 titles to her credit. More than 100 are in the collections for MOMA (NYC); Centre Pompidou (Paris); and the Art Institute of Chicago (USA). Her design for Shelia Hicks' (USA) book, Weaving as Metaphor, was awarded "The Most Beautiful Book in the World" at the Leipzig Book Fair. This exhibition, at SLEWE (Kerkstraat 121), brings together a selection of her work.  For the show,  she has designed a multiple book entitled Hommage a Kelly. It is a limited edition of 99, signed and numbered @ 480 euro. At the half way mark of the opening, 31 had been sold. Until 16thApril. www.slewe.nl
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GRIMM (Frans Halsstraat  26) is showing the work of Michael Raedecker (UK/NL). The work hanging is what might be described as studies in black...and sometimes with a touch of gray. There are a couple of exceptions like the flower plant painting with all its elements in white/gray against a pink background. Delightful! As to the works in black, they range from nearly monochromatic to  almost representational. What should get your attention are the elements behind the technique. Several works have collage parts ranging from cut-out forms to thread. You have to get your nose up to the work to see these subtle factors. He also uses fake fur "rugs"  and makes indentations to produce an image. (86x66 cms., fake fur, fixative @ 45,000 euro; 220x168 cms., acrylic, thread, collage on cotton @ 135,000 euro)  Until 23 th April  www.grimmgallery.com 
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A group show of three artists is at Roger Katwijk Galerie (Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 198). Roger Wolschots is a minimalistic painter. There is no figuration nor really any abstraction. The paint has not been applied with a brush and appears to have been done at random with blotches of color. (65x55 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 1,400 euro)...Arte Colder has things to say and much has to do with the world of transgender people. The work is visually provocative in style and innovative in technique. (89x59 cms., gouache, ink, acrylic varnish, on photo paper, on panel @ 2,800 euro)....Roger Gerris is an illusionist of sorts. His work features the figurative, but it is vague and unassuming. He surrounds this imagery with an abstract background that also is intertwined through the composition. A b/w to shades-of-gray work is dimensional in that the imagery is flanked with what could be broken ceramic tiles. (120x60 cms/., ink jet transfer on plaster, latex paint, paper, wood @ 1,600 euro) Until 7th May. www.rogerkatwijk.nl 
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At AdK (Prinsengracht 534) is an exhibition for the artist, Cian-Yu-Bai (Taiwan). Her technique is that of an expressionist, but in several works there is also present the human form. Combining the two creates a mysterious new world. One that is nearly mythological. For all its expressionist overtones the colors are surprisingly subdued. Also there are 18 paintings of women---full body---in three categories: Austere women, noble women and melting face. (50x20 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 950 euro; 70x99 cm.s, oil on paper @ 1,750 euro; 160x180 cms., acrylic on linen @ 4,700 euro) Until 16th April www.adkactuelekunst.nl 
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AKINCI (Lijnbaansgracht 318) presents a group show of the gallery's artists: Hrair Sarkissian (Syria); Andrie Roiter(Rus/NL/USA); Basim Magdy (Eygpt); Miguel Angel Rios (Argentina); and Algün  Ringborg (Sweden/Turkey). Until 23rd April www.akinci.nl 
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Bright Side Gallery (Prinsengracht 737) is showing a couple/duo from the Ukraine, Synchrodogs (Tania Shcheglova/Roman Noven). They travel the world looking for desolate locations "to explore the unknown and the undiscovered". Some works have a surreal quality while others are a parody on the traditional nude. There are common themes: "nudity, primitives, eccentricity, human nature, and excruciation used to make sociological statements." Finally, they bring color to these desolate areas. (Prices range from 700 to 4,150 euro and all are in an edition)....Also showing is the light sculptures of Stefan Tordanov (Bulgaria). He studies both the human and animal anatomy using various types of lighting and bulbs. You will see "Voyage of Laiki" which consists of about 70 lighting types. Until 15th May. https://bit.ly/2P2mI9c 
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Thijs Zweers is at TORCH (Lauriergracht 94) with all b/w work...well, it is much more black than white. The black is the background of the compostion or a sort of "frame" for the white portions which are symbols. And while the black looks to be abstract, in a few you can discern trees or the leaves on bushes. Subtly done. The white sections range from four strokes of white to a mural of white strokes and forms. (40x30 cms., silkscreen, Ed 11 @ 300 euro; 60x80 cms., Siberian chalk on paper @ 1,500 euro; 150x210 cms., Siberian chalk on paper @ 4,000 euro) Until 21st May. www.torchgallery.com
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...And there you have it! It is April and spring is busting out all over...so hop on the bike, or put on your walking shoes and explore the wonderful world of art that is Amsterdam!

Photo: Calais, Eritrean Orthodox church, July 2015 © Henk Wildschut, Foam

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