Going back in time: Daniel Gould’s 3D List, Art in Amsterdam #35

The season is well under way. As 3D announced last week THE RECESSION IS OVER! Nothing has changed my mind. Last week there were RED DOTS to be seen. 3D ran into a gallery owner whose opening I had missed the first week of the new season. He said, "Come by. We have so far nine or ten RED DOTS."

Magic words to my ears. It not only means that the economy is returning to normal, but that there is desirable ART available. So let you be warned: Don't let someone else BUY your masterpiece. Do it yourself. Only YOU can satisfy your aesthetic needs. 

INDEX:

Bits & Pieces:

Museum Review:  Alexander the Great: Hermitage - Amsterdam

What You Missed Last Week:

What Is Happening This Week: 

BITS & PIECES:

For those who have missed the previous showings of "I LOVE ART," the epic documentary---which chronicles the wanderings of 3D though the Amsterdam art scene---is back by popular demand and will be telecast on RTV-NH, this Sunday, 26th September, at 10:00; 12:00; 14:00 and 16:00. The film was directed by Frederieke Jochems; the camera work by Andras Hamelberg; edited by Jan Ketelaars; scenario by Jochems and Gould; the song, "That's Art, My Friend," lyrics by Daniel R. Gould...And if that isn't enough of 3D in one day, well, there's more...

A new VPRO production is now on "Radio 1" called "Plots." It is a program modeled after an American radio show called "This American Life." It can be heard this Sunday at 18:15 to 19:00. I assume there are more than one presentation. The 16 minute documentary titled, "The Broomcloset" (and you can see it in "I LOVE ART") is directed by Jennifer Pettersonand features 3D and others from the Volkskrantgebouw. 
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This is an interesting event. MLB Exposities is sponsoring an art auction...A very unusual auction. You supply a work of art that you no longer treasure. You list a minimum price and it it sells you get the money. If it sells for, say, more than your bottom price, the "profit" goes to charity. Cool idea. See www.mlbgalerie.nl or e-mail: ml.boel@planet.nl. But hurry, you must submit the work before 1st October. 
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In faraway Haarlem begins a ten day festival (24th September to 3rd October) called, "MADNESS &ampARTS FESTIVAL. It is the third international event. "Is there a relation between art and madness? How do artists and performers present (their own) madness, and how does that influence what we think about people with psychiatric disorder?...An extensive program with theatre, dance, film, music, art, literature, poetry, debate and meetings." Complete program: https://bit.ly/2KJvHJe 
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The Prince Claus Fund has announced that Els van der Plas, the director for the past 13 years, will leave as of the 17th January, 2010. She has accepted a new position as director of Premsela, the Dutch Platform for Design and Fashion.
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The SPIEGELKWARTIER's annual open house will take place between 12-18:00, this Saturday and Sunday (25th & 26th September). See: www.spiegelkwartier.nl for a complete list of participating galleries, shops, antique dealers and restaurants. Also, the festivities will include "ARTIFICIAL HAPPINESS, a spectacular performance" at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. The invite does not say where. Perhaps it is a street performance, thus: EVERYWHERE. 
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Moooi Gallery (Westerstraat 187) presents a new design collection that was launched this year at Milan on the 24th and 25th of September.
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The 10th Amsterdam Tribal & Antique Jewelry Fair (at the church, De Duif, Prinsengracht 756) will be held this Sunday (26th September) from 10-18:00. Entry: 7.50 euro. https://bit.ly/2AZnxgd 
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3D, from time to time, has compared an artist's work to Rube Goldberg. I was fascinated when I was a boy by his "contraptions." Elaborately designed machines with little real purpose. But I have now learned more after I visited www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38936882/?GT1=43001. He actually was a political cartoonist, by profession, who one the Pulitzer prize in 1948 for "a political strip commenting on the increasing threat of nuclear weapons." His contraptions resulted from a fascination with engineering. "Machines are a symbol of man's capacity for exerting the maximum effort to achieve minimal results." There is now an annual competition for students called: The National Rube Goldberg Machine Contest.
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Last week, this section of the list mentioned a documentary to be shown at De Balie titled "My Kid Can Do That." It questioned "What Is Art?" and Who determines "What Is Art?" It featured a story of a then four year old girl, Marla Olmstead, who had taken the art world by storm; and her crash just before her fifth birthday. An expose broadcast by the TV network CBS asserted the work was suspect as to who the real creator was. Actually, 3D came away convinced it is by the kid's own brush. The style is expressionistic, but not consistent in colors, symbols nor is there really any redundant style in her compositions. She goes with her moods and instincts and hasn't really reached a stage where she conceives conceptual ideas and develops them from painting-to-painting. Check her out for yourself and see her work at: www.marlaolmstead.com. She is now ten years old and still working. This was listed as a one time showing in the Netherlands, but 3D suspects it won't be. There were but three empty seats.
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Also, on the same list, was the mention of a compilation film to be shown at Rialto. "Forget The Movie: Watch The Titles," was a production of Submarine (www.submarinechannel.com.). It was an hour long compilation of nearly 30 titles sequences from films released between 2004-2009. It started with a bang when a woman is propelled through the air which was the opening for "Zombieland." And it got better. Ironically, most of the films fell into the category of vampire or horror. Films I generally don't pay to see. The film will tour 12 Dutch cities between now and through October. See the schedule at: www.watchthetitles.com The showing was SOLD OUT, so, it too, will probably be reshown in wonderful Amsterdam.

Before the start of the program, 3D was talking to the lady sitting next to me. She said that her and her husband had been hesitant about attending. "One hour of title credits seemed a bit much. We were afraid it would be boring." At the end, and as we got up to go, I asked, "Where you bored?" She replied, "Not at all. And I was surprised when the hour was up." I talked with the director, Remco Vlaanderen, afterwards, and asked about wavers for the use of the titles. He said that all the designers had been contacted and permission had been granted. The film will tour the Netherlands over the next several weeks. Since it played to a full house---not one empty seat---I asked Vlaanderen if there would be another Amsterdam showing. He said they were thinking about it. 
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...And since we are on the subject of film...There was an interview with Woody Allen titled "Faith, the movies and aging," by Dave Itzkoff in the Int Herald Tribune (www.iht.com, 17th September) about his latest film. Its title is "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" (expect an October release). He sums up the promises of the film with "To me there's no real difference between a fortune teller or a fortune cookie and any of the organized religions. They're all equally valid or invalid, really. And equally helpful." Asked how he feels about the aging process he replied, "Well, I'm against it. I think it has nothing to recommend it. You don't gain any wisdom as the years go by. You fall apart, is what happens." Reminds 3D of something a former lover said in an e-mail, from Chicago, about a year ago, in regard to the subject: "Getting old sucks." Amen to that." 
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...And since Woody brought up religion let's hear from Stephen Hawking, the astrophysicist. Hawking had ended his "Brief History of Time" saying that the discovery of the unified theory of physics---what Einstein referred to as "the unification theory"---would help us to "know the mind of God." In his latest writing effort, "The Grand Design," he has declared God pretty much dead. This was a brief subject matter on last week's list as well. Someone pointed out to 3D last weekend that I said I was not an atheist. Did that make me a believer? No, not at all. I entered a Jesuit university as a true believer and graduated as an agnostic. The Jesuits seemed to be satisfied. Actually, I tend to feel there is a higher element, but like Einstein and Hawking I think it is a scientific one and not religious. Religions provided answers before we knew much about what today is every day science. A majority of people today still prefer fables to explain everything than a scientific equation. Go figure.
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...More on film..."CINEMA CLASH CONTINUUM...a crash course on the history of cinema, on film and the politics of film and media theory...In January and February, 2011, we will continue with seminars for students...the program will then culminate in a vibrant conference-festival at the Rietveld Academy in March, 2011...The official opening will take place on Wednesday, 29th September." Unfortunately, the announcement did not include an address nor a time; and come to think of it, no web-site.
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3D supports the subsidy system that means so much in the support of art. Also, the many cultural festivals that involve several galleries, museums, venues, etc. However, when some of these events are repeatedly mismanaged he realizes why there is an opposition to the subsidy program. A case in point: Biennial GRID 2010. A few years back, 3D commented on the incompetency in the way the first(?) Biennial was conducted. The program was several weeks late and when it finally was available it was hard to find and riddled with mistakes. 

At the start of this new art season, I noticed two galleries that mentioned that they were participating in Biennial GRID 2010. I googled and got a web-site, but there was only photographs and no text. I checked on whom to contact and e-mailed the contact person only to have the e-mailed returned as undeliverable. I found another "contact" and sent off another e-mail which said, "Please sending me info for the GRID festival." The next day I had this reply: "For what reasons do you need the information? So I know what to send to you." I replied, "I write about art and photography." there was no reply.

A week later, I sent an e-mail that said, "I still have not received the information I requested." And the same day reply said, "We would love to send you some information about GRID 2010, but could you be more specific about what kind of information you would like to receive." To which I answered, "Simple. I write on art and photography. Send a list of participating galleries and the photographers names." That was sent on the 15th and there has been NO reply. 

Well, not to be deterred, I contacted a photographer who has his ear to the ground and asked him to forward the info that he had received from GRID 2010. He replied, "I have spoken with HP [the director] about the Biennial GRID 2010. I have asked him the program. He sadi he was busy, busy, busy, but no program." Hey, it's deja vu all over again. Same director, same problems. For what it is worth: www.gridphotofestival.com Supposedly between 25th September and the 7th of November. But, does anyone really know? (Today, Thursday, I once again checked the websit: de nada. Hey, maybe their still on holiday.)
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The Hermitage - Amsterdam announced that its second show, in its short history, Matisse-Malevich, attracted 375,000 paying visitors over its six month run. 
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What is the longest song? "Stairway to Heaven?" No. Nor is "Sympathy for the Devil" nor "Alice's Restaurant" or even "Victory At Sea" (a 13 hour opus that was composed for an American 50s series on the USofA Navy's campaign in the Pacific Ocean during World War II)...And the answer is, "Longplay." A composition that's been playing in London since the turn of the millennium; and there is no end in sight...The oldest active male stripper was still performing at 67, the year of his death...Do you complain about the cost of a haircut these days? The Sultan of Brunei paid $23,000 for one...The world's long wedding dress train? A Romanian gown that was just shy of two kilometers...Want more: www.specials.msn.com. Search: "Weirdest World Records." 
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3D ERRED AGAIN: He left out the prices for an exhibition that was reviewed on List #3. A-Gallery (Konijnenstraat 16a) is showing the conceptual and minimal work of Juul van den Heuvel. The 40x30 cms., charcoal drawings are priced at a very reasonable 250 euro; the oil paints at 450 euro. The show ends 1st November. Sorry about that! 
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At the Keizersgacht 694 is this from Amsterdam's own street poet Laser 3.14: "One Word: Different Galleons." Huh? 
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What do dreams mean? Graham Greene had a journal next to his bed in which he recorded his dreams over a 25 year period. He could find no rhyme nor reason to them. 3D has read four theories pertaining to the dreaming process, but none are conclusive. But Natasha Burton has written an article "Just Dreamy" in which she describes the possible meaning for a series of common dreams, to all people, like falling, flying without a plane, being naked in public, etc. See: www.DreamMoods.com and dream, dream, dream.
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MUSEUM REVIEW:  Hermitage - Amsterdam (Amstel 51) 

Alexander the Great, to many people, is little more than a movie title. And before there were movies, a book title. And even two thousands years before there were books there were the oral histories passed down from generation to generation that told his story. The current show's title at Hermitage - Amsterdam says it all with "Alexander the Great: The Myth, The Reality: His Journey, His Legacy." 

As with all historical figures the "facts" are often confused with the "fables." Alexander was one of the first "folk heroes" and was immortalized by Pliny de Elder (23-79 AD); Catherine the Great of Russia, named one of her grandson's after him; and both Richard Burton and, more recently, Colin Farrell played him in the movies. That's not a bad run. His journeys from his native Macedonia to the borders of present day China changed the world. He brought the Hellenic culture to India and points in between. Macedonia, at the time (c350 BC), was stronger than the city states of neighboring Greece, but were greatly influenced by the latter's culture. Aristotle was one of his teachers. But Alexander was not a nice person. Not what we really expect from our heroes. He was a drunk, married many women and his "one great love" was a man. He personally killed many people and included, in the number, were his confidants. "Myth and historical fact interweave, sketching a generally heroic image of the conqueror." This exhibition brings it all together. It does it so in several ways.

In the main gallery, we begin our journey through Alexander's world of fact and fiction by viewing Sebastiano Ricci's(1659-1734) depiction of a story by Pliny the Elder about the man. Next to that is another huge canvas by Pietro Antoni Rotari (1707-1762) which is an idealized rendering of the man and the myth. A series of engravings commissioned by Louis XIV, and produced by Le Brun, forms an allegory of the Sun King's reign in which he is glorified as the new Alexander. There are six 70x120 cms., prints on display. They were distributed throughout Europe at the time. And just opposite them are six wood reliefs each done after the engravings by Marie Melotte, a wood carver living in Liege. They were commissioned by Catherine the Great. The detail of the work is mesmerizing. Several metal shields and helmets from the 16th century are on display that are decorated with stories of Alexander's heroic adventures in relief. 

A huge 17th century Flanders tapestry dominates the main gallery and hangs at the far end. It, too, was made from a Le Brun print. Artifacts from 400-100 BC like metal helmets, a sabre and a chain mail armour vest have survived a couple of millenniums in surprisingly good shape. And you come away amazed at the meticulous detail in their design. You can get your nose up to two stone stelae monoliths. They were grave stones for Polycasta and Delphos carved in limestone with polychrome wax paintings and stand 155 cms., high. They were found in 1960 and are from the 3rd century BC. Then there are the gold reliefs from 350-325 BC that illustrate scenes from the life of Achilles. Opposite are six amphora clay pots that tell the story of Achilles, Hector and others. Their beautiful state of preservation is absolutely astounding; four are in mint condition which includes an enormous one that stands nearly 100 cms., high. Marble Greek statues from 350-300 BC are also in perfect or near perfect condition. 

Don't overlook the small galleries that line the main one on both sides. They are easy to miss since the stairways are located off the principal gallery. Displayed in these small rooms are fine jewelry pieces from the period. A gold asp shaped bracelet, an interlocking chain necklace and several sardonyx (glass like stones), and brooches, from the Alexander period, are truly breath taking in design and craftsmanship. A golden Diadem (garnet-almandine and glass) is an outstanding piece amongst outstanding works. A pair of earrings form a perch for pigeons and was made during the 2nd century BC. And room after room welcomes you with more wonders. There are over 350 objects in the exhibition. 

This is a show that a person can't take in with one visit. There is to much to absorb and it is so easy to miss the little things. But you have six months. Do it now, wait three months and do it again; then rush back just before it closes for one last look. You will see things that rarely leave the Hermitage - St Petersburg. It is one of those once in a life time opportunities. 

Entrance for adults: 15 euro; children up to 16, FREE. Special tours available in several languages including Berber. Berber? Until 18th March, 2011. https://bit.ly/2zFxUSe 

THE CATALOG: 

There are nineteen chapter headings that beginning with "Alexander and the East: What Came Before" and include such subject matter as "The Greek Language in the East," The Indian Campaign," to "Embroideries from Noin-Ula," to "Alexander the Great in Western European and Russian Art of the modern age." All chapters are from four to 26 pages in length. Easy reading. 

Hundreds of four color photographs illustrate each and every piece in the exhibit. Many of the small objects like coin, rings and cameos are more easily viewed and studied through these representations. In addition, there is a detailed description of the piece and when and where it was found. I mentioned in the review that this is a show that beacons you to visit it several times. In between visits, read the sections of the catalog that you concentrated on and you will come away with an in depth knowledge of a period that's influences still affect us today. 

ISBN 978 90 78653 219 Dutch
ISBN 978 90 78653 226 English. 

34.95 euro. 

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WHAT YOU MISSED LAST WEEK: 

Thursday: 

At VIP'S International Art Galleries (Spiegelgracht 8) is the work of the French photographer Jean-Marie Périer, in a show titled "Le Tour de Pop." He is now in his 70s and still going strong. In fact, he wasn't at the opening because he had another to attend in LA. The work on display is for the most part from the 60s when love was in the air; London was swingin'; and Paris was in turmoil. However, he ignored the latter problem of Paris and captured its glamorous side with photos of Slyvie Vartan and Brigitte Bardot, both laying on their back, and head to head, with a field of green grass taking up three quarters of the composition. Nice.

Dali was alive and well and "living" in an egg with Francoise Hardy; and Vartan, again, is at the center of attraction in a visually exciting color photo in which she lies---surrounded by books---on candy cane striped paper. There is also Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan; not to mention, a very "pretty" Alain Delon who will make both women and men eat their hearts out. Most work is in living color. (50x45 cms., Ed. 15 @ 2,400 euro; 90x50 cms., C-print, Ed. 12 @ 3,600 euro; 120x170 cms., Ed. 5 @ 12,000 euro. All are signed and numbered.) Until 10th October. https://vipsart.nl/ 
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Vincent Mentzel is hanging his photographs at "BORZO modern & contemporary art" (Keizersgracht 516). His photo work has appeared in such diverse publications as Newsweek, TIME, Life and the New York Times, as well as all the major Dutch publications most notably the NRC Handelsblad. This exhibition could be labeled an honor roll of late 20th century artists. The best of the lot with people like Man Ray, Karel Appel, Dennis Hopper, Frank Stella, Sigmar Polke, Jan Schoonhoven, Klaas Gubbels, Gilbert & George and Paul Huf...Well, you get the idea. Nearly all the work hanging---and there is a lot---is b/w. And while you would classify him as a portraitist, he approaches each subject with a personal view and composes compositions that often features the artist's work. The Donald Judd photo taken at the Boijman's Museum (Rotterdam) is a perfect example. We see only Judd's head, in profile, as he walks behind one of his metal sculpture constructions. 

A highlight---if only because of its simplicity---is a portrait of Queen Beatrix, in profile, during the year of her coronation (1980). It is majestic and dignified and yet very honest and natural. There are two walls with a collage of work in addition to the individual hangings. (20x30/25x25 cms., Ed. 6 @ 600 euro; 60x40 cms., Ed. 6 @ 900 euro; 75x50 cms., Ed 3 @ 1,500 euro; also a boxed set that includes a tabloid size b/w "paperback" book with one signed photo @ 300 euro.) At opening: FIVE Red Dots on individual photos; EIGHT Red Dots on boxed paperback. Until 9th October. https://bit.ly/2maQxaC 
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Schrank8 (Wagenaarstraat 331) does things differently, but with a name like that you might expect something different. The present exhibition is for the novelist Miek Zwamborn. Her first published work was what 3D would describe as fictionalized reality. She spent six months working on a construction boat used to put anchor piles into the sea bottom for oil platforms then wrote a story around that. Her latest effort is telling the story of two people Mary Anning (1799-1848), a fossil hunter; and Heim (1849-1937), a Swiss geologist. Though they lived at different times, in her work, they come together.

The exhibition consists of elements from her collection of objects garnered from flea markets and junk shops which are integral to the story. What we see are fossils (several varieties), books, old photos, topography maps and other items, related to the subject matter, covered in the book she is writing. An interesting "object" is a paper sculpture piece. As she does her research she makes notes. Back at her work space, she records the notes into the PC. At one point, she begins to print out the notes and "binds" them in a vertical snake like matter with tape at both ends of the tiny cuts of paper in an order that will tell the story. She has arranged this compilation as a work of art. Until 10th October. Exhibition by appointment; Hanjse, the gallery holder, is a graphic artist. Kill two birds with one stone, go by to review her portfolio and to see the exhibit. www.schrank8.blogspot.com, hansje@hansje.net, http://miekzwamborn.nl/ 
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Emily Wardill was the winner of the "Follow Fluxus: After Fluxus prize." Perhaps that says it all. The Fluxus group was difficult to explain. 3D finds this true of Wardil's videos. To quote from the small booklet about one work "'Ben creates apparent disjuncture's between form and sense that come to be revealed as extraordinary psychological devices for triggering critical thought in the viewer." Well, there's that. The title of the show at de Appel (1e Jacob van Campenstrat 59) is "windows broken, break, broke together," is "structured around an ongoing dialog between British artist Emily Wardill and artist/curator Ian White. The press release goes on to describe her work as "brilliant cinematic labyrinths. Visually striking and playfully rigorous." 

In de Appel's garden space is "Alien Palace Birdhouse Collection," by Otto Karvonen, and that's exactly what you get: Birdhouses. The architectural designs are state-of-the-art and cooool! Their forms owe much to Gerrit Rietveld's basic linear and rectangular designs but with contemporary nuances. Luxury nesting for birds of a feather...Whatever that means. Until 28th November. N.B. On the 24th of October and 21st of November there is a public lecture by Wardill and White. For more info: http://deappel.nl/en/programme 
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Saturday: 

Art A Casa (Kerkstraat 411) shows Andrea Letterie's mixed-media paintings of bouquets of flowers, tea cups, fish, birds and dogs. But the subject matter is secondary. Her colors and composition makes the work assertive, decorative and original. You see a flavor of Van Gogh in her flowers because of the spontaneity of the brushstrokes and the haphazard arrangement of the flowers. The style is best described as contemporary impressionism. (15x20 cms., oil @ 250 euro; 55x55 cms., oil @ 950 euro; 120x150 cms., acryclic @ 2,250 euro.) 

Also exhibiting is Astrid Trügg. She has an unusual technique. She makes mono types atop collages using newspaper clippings or a paper dolly as the collage part. The subject is a series of still lifes with many featuring fish, bottles and pots. The colors are subdued and she favors heavy black with good effect. (15x20 cms., mixed-media mono print @ 225 euro; 65x60 cms., acrylic collage @ 1,950 euro.) Until 20th Ocotber. https://bit.ly/2JL0Mff 
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The boys did it! "Galerie ra" (N.B. Nes 120) opened at their new location as scheduled and with a packed house. 3D points this out because it was difficult to see the work not to mention counting red dots. Noon Passama (Thailand) is a graduate of the Rietveld Academie. She is exhibiting two completely different series of styles of work. There are 40 copper brooches on one wall that have been plated with gold, pink gold or black rhodium. They are simple circles or ovals and very elegant. On another wall, she mounts works made of material/fabric to create a completely different series of brooches. These are a true juxtaposition from the others in that they are generally whimsical like the pair of brooches that emulate water faucets one with a blue ring and the other with a red one. Wear them and perhaps the message is: Turn me on! Nice. FIVE Red Dots that I could see. (Metal brooches @ 220-280 euro; material/fabric @ 600 to 1,000 euro.) 

Joe Hogan (Ireland) is an Irish basket maker. He weaves unusual shaped creations. He combines drift wood in the construction giving them an organic feel. They can be utilized beyond the decorative factor to hold dried flowers or a cradle for a warm puppy dog. Woof! (30x40 cms., cone shaped @ 600 euro; 70x540x40 cms., @ 2,900 euro.) Until 20th October. http://www.galerie-ra.nl/nl/
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Harland Miller (UK) is at Reflex Gallery (Weteringschaans 79) with his Penguin paperback book covers. But the early Penguins did not have illustrated covers like the often lurid American' Bantams or Pocket Books. Instead it was only the simple run of the mill typography. However, Miller puts zing into the imagery by creating such the titles as, "Incurable Romantic Seeks Dirty Filthy Whore." The creations are on paper with water color which is in keeping with the original paper material the paperbacks were fashioned with. And there are bigger than life in size, much like the title, "Death: What's In It For Me?," measuring 250x153 cms. Nor does he take either the work nor himself seriously. The "finished" product comes across as just another study of a work in progress with pencil lines showing and colors running down. He adds to the fun---or is it absurdity---with a title like, "You Can Rely On Me: I'll Always Let You down." Smaller versions measuring 30x20 cms., are on display. (152x122 cms., @ 7-10,000 UK pounds; 250x153 cms., @ 20,000 UK pounds.) The opening was also the occasion for a book presentation. The title "I'll Never Forget What I can't Remember," is priced at 50 euro or is it pounds? https://reflexamsterdam.com/ 
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Maison Descartes (Vijzelgracht 2a) is showing the ceramic sculpture work of Gabrielle Wambaugh (UK/France) in an exhibition titled, "What you see is smaller than what there is." She uses clay to form snake-like forms that twist and turn into organic shapes that don't relate to the natural world. She limits the work to white with black stripes to black with chalk-like white stripes. Unusual forms and each in its own unique design. In the venue's beautiful garden there are seven dome like ceramic objects in gray. Good work. Until 29th October. https://bit.ly/2NKw9J1        https://bit.ly/2vSXGB2         https://bit.ly/2MarvaX 
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Sefer Memisoglu is showing photographic work and drawings at Van Zijll Langhout Exposities (Brouwersgrcht 161) and as opposite in their technique so are they as opposite in their style. The pencil drawings are reminiscent of a Dutch artist from the 20s and 30s who used much shading in his work (can't remember his name). Meticulous in execution and surreal in imagery. You'll marvel at the detail. On the other hand, his photography owes much to Eduard Muybridge's series "Animal Locomotion" (c 1900). There is a series of 90 snapshot size photos divided into two rows of 45 each which documents the path of a thrown butcher knife. In the top group, the knife's image emerges from darkness and ends in white light. The bottom row is just the opposite. It measures 500 cms., by about 10 cms. Nice. Until ? https://bit.ly/2miHB38 
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LOCUSLUX GALLERY (Brouwersgracht 151) is mounting their first exhibition. Galleries open...galleries close. Its the way of the industry. The first exhibition can be like your first sexual experience: magical or tragic. Their first is like fireworks on old years eve. Jaap de Vries is a Dutch artist that also hangs in London; and "Cut & Paste" is his second Amsterdam show. De Vries paints with water color on aluminium offset plates designed for print making. Hey, that's not meant to work. Aluminium repels water, it's the nature of the material. But he has developed a technique to make it possible and because of it there is still the element of chance as the water color and metal interact and repel. The result is a mysterious and virtuosos performance with paint brush. There is a string section, the brass and the rhythms of form. A complete composition.

The works range from pure expressionism to portrait imagery expressed expressionistically; and sometimes a combination of the two. Then there is the added nuances of simple etching on the metal plates. He scratches into the metal to accent the imagery. He also applies collage material to some works, but it is so subtle that you hardly notice. It is imaginatively done and original. The imagery is sometimes erotic and sometimes a simple landscape, but always identifiable as the work of De Vries. The works vary in size from 103x79 cms., to 200x150 cms. Couldn't find a price list. Until 30th October https://bit.ly/2B16Ukk,        https://bit.ly/2B3o6Ws 

While this is the gallery's first exhibition in Amsterdam, I see by the beautifully done catalog, for a prior show, for the same gallery, that a previous one was at their gallery in Brussels.
*** 

Sunday:

At "STORM galerie" (Oosterparkstraat 201) is a show curated by Johan van der Dong to celebrate the end of Ramadan by showing Moroccan artist. Rubio and Dubois carve geometric abstracts in wood. The designs appear to be traditional North African symbols. Sometimes they emphasize the designs with paint. (60x60 cms., wood & acrylic @ 280 euro.) ...Majid El Houfi paints abstract work on canvas and uses Arabic typography to decorate some of the works. The colors could be described as those of autumn, golden brown and red hues. The curator also shows his photography mounted on foam. The subject matter is street scenes. (70x50 cms., @ 300 euro.)...The rest of the exhibition is selections of works from the gallery's stable of artists. Ingrid Greijn---3D doesn't recall having seen before---does conceptual figurative pencil drawings. They are meticulous in their technique and a linear aspect is added which brings something mysterious to the imagery (50x35 cms., @ 399 euro.) Until ? 

There was a performance by a woman wearing a full lenght dress made from Dirk van der Broek' plastic shopping bags. She walked through the space reading from a booklet. The sounds were like the reciting of a mantra. 
*** 

WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

Reminder: Life is hard! Sometimes and with your best effort you just don't know if the info is right or wrong. So, 3D, when in doubt, uses yhis symbol (?) before the time listed for a gallery opening to indicate that the information may be WRONG. The "*" indicates the time may NOT be correct. 3D suggests you phone ahead because often there is no info at the gallery's web-site. 

THURSDAY: 23rd September, 2010
THURSDAY: 23rd September, 2010 

11-18:00 "MADE BY B29 STUDIOS EXHIBITION" (Krelis Louwenstraat 1). "Design by Making...'Made by B29' opens its studio doors, presenting new work from 16 independent designers covering product, interior, furniture, exhibition, theatre, textiles and graphic design; photography; styling; journalism and architecture." From the sound of it 3D has no doubt that there will be a kitchen sink or two. Also on Saturday and Sunday, at the same times. https://bit.ly/2nzw0gR 

17-19:00 Rijksacademie (Sarphatistraat 470). "The Procession Floozie," by Jhafis Quintero and Nathalie Ho-Kang. 

17:00 Eye Film Instituut Nederland (Filmmuseum, Vondelpark 3). "A conversation between Jacques Rancire and Olive Davis. More info: https://bit.ly/2KIGAez 

17:15 ARCAM (Prins Hendrikkade 600). "Expositie Music, Space and Architecture." More info: https://bit.ly/2nnsDtj

17:30 "foam" (Keizersgracht 609). Johan van der Keuken (1938-2001). "Beeldverhalen," photographs. https://bit.ly/2Lavlwl 

18:30* Prince Claus Fund (Herengracht 603). Santu Mofokeng (S. Africa) does photographs that are "heavily influenced by the apartheid era." He was recipient of a 25,000 euro Prince Claus Award, 2009. https://bit.ly/2LhADq4 

19:00 The Temporary Stedelijk "do-it-smell-it," the combination of smell and art may seem an unexpected one, yet many contemporary artists incorporate smell, scent and perfume in their work. FREE...But, hey, you're too late. It's SOLD OUT! 3D has listed it as a reminder to avoid procrastinating and check out the Stedelijk's web-site for future programs so you won't be disappointed: https://bit.ly/2oTKhoK 

FRIDAY: 24th September
FRIDAY: 24th September

_____ * WG Terrein (Five location in and around the WG) . "TO BE PRESENT-Live-No Tech." A performance festival. Some events are FREE and some you gotta pay. Also on Saturday and Sunday. See: www.tobepresent.nl for more info and locations. 

17-20:00 Open Atelier/Claire Begheyn (Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 106). 3D erred last week and listed this event for then. But Little Bo Peep and her sheep have lived to show another day and again on Saturday and Sunday, from 13-18:00, both days. See her conceptual "sheep" and wall hangings. http://www.clairebegheyn.com/. Also see the work of the late Govert Beijkoop (1951-2007) who created abstract and minimal sculpture work: https://bit.ly/2M6ebVb 

17-19:00 KunstKapel Amsterdam (Prinses Irenestraat 19). "Building Images," photographs by Isabelle Wenzel. http://www.artchapel.nl/ 

17-22:00 LOODS 6 (KSMN-laan 289). Four galleries sponsor the showing of over 30 artists. https://loods6.nl/

SATURDAY: 25th September
SATURDAY: 25th September

_____* WG Terrein (See Friday) 

10-18:30 "Truffaut Marathon" (Filmmuseum, Vondelpark 3). Four films plus an introduction to each by Serge Toubiana, plus a discussion. 30 euros includes all films + lunch + three drinks. RSVP: (020) 58.91.400. https://www.eyefilm.nl/

11-17:00 RODE LOPER FESTIVAL (Central exposition @ cbk, Oranje-Vrijstaatkade 71). An open atelier program. A special tour, via bikes, will take place on Sunday. Limited to 15 people. Plan ahead. http://rodeloperfestival.nl/  

15:00 Morren Galleries (Neé: Utrecht Galleries at Prinsengracht 574). Candace Charito's "New Roots," oils, figurative realism. https://www.morrengalleries.nl/ 

16:00 Vriend van Bavink (Gelderskade 58). Stefano Vigni (Siena) show his photos.

16-19:00 JASKI Art Gallery (Nieuw Spiegelstraat 29). Constant, work on paper. http://www.jaski.nl/ 

16:00-19:00 Galerie Brandt (Prinsengracht 599). Kim de Ruysscher (Belgium), "In Time," objects. At about 18:00, Bo Terry will give a musical performance along with her bass player Jacky van Tongeren. http://brandtgallery.com/ 

16-18:00 Eduard Planting Fine Art Photographs (1e Bloemdwarstraat 2). "Leigh Bowery and other Butterflies," photos by Fergus Greer including photos of other celebrities. Also, Corinne Kruger's "The Source," photos. https://bit.ly/2lZLxFJ 

16-19:00 Kahmann Gallery (Lindengracht 35). Martien Muller, photography. Her photo book "One View At A Time," signed and numbered will be available at the opening. www.kahmanngallery.com

17-19:00 Dom Polski (Keizersgracht 174). A new gallery specializing in Polish artists living in the Netherlands and Dutch artists with "a Polish viewpoint." "Baciar" shows "Amsterdam Classic," photographs of Amsterdam. https://bit.ly/2M8mXlI 

17-20:00 "VERVERS modern & contemporary art gallery" (Hazenstraat 57) presents, "Silent Witness," the photographic work of Jan Kuster (NL), Marquis Palmera (USA) and Cesare Bedogné (Italy). The concept is "that they are all taken [photographs] in a cultivated environment where no human presence seems to exist." https://bit.ly/2mkqkqc 

(?)17-19:30 Canvas International Art (G. Doustraat 142). Betsabee Romero. https://bit.ly/2ApFogh 

17-18:30 WM Gallery (Elandsgracht 35). Zofia Rydet, Grzegorz Rogala and Andrzej Dragan, all photographers "present an unique selection of the Surreal through time...three generations within Polish photography where the Surreal meets the innovative. http://gallerywm.com/WP/  

19:30 WM Gallery continues the exhibition at another location (Crucquiusweg 67) with the Poles. It is all part of their "Anthropologists in Art" series. http://gallerywm.com/WP/ 

SUNDAY: 26th September
SUNDAY: 26th September 

_____ * WG Terrein (See Friday) 

11-17:00 RODE LOPER FESTIVAL (See Saturday.) A bike tour today. http://rodeloperfestival.nl/ 

15-17:00 Gallery Goda (Weteringschans 69). "Poolse Herfst/Polska Jesie'n," with Jan Sikora, paintings and "malarstwo," plus Anna Marchwicka, ceramics. The Polish ambassador, to the Netherlands, will introduce the artists. https://bit.ly/2Ot3d97 

15:00 Galerie Rademakiers (Prinsengracht 572). Cathalijn Wouters, figurative paintings. Also a book presentation. https://bit.ly/2JvtSz2 

16:00 Galerie Wies Willemsen (Ruysdaelkade 25). Jalal Alwan (Iraq) works with wood, steel, stone and textile. Plus Aqiqi: Husamaldin M. Ali (Iraq). Music by Gregor Schaefer playing the traditional Arabic lute. https://bit.ly/1ClAtnL 

17-19:00 Bel-Etage (Prinsengracht 1097A). Peter Bes with paintings, drawings, photos and objects. https://bit.ly/2vYyN6X

WEDNESDAY: 29th September
WEDNESDAY: 29th September

17-19:00 LUX Photo Gallery (Het Sieraad, Postjesweg 1). Elliot Ross shows his photos and Schilt Publishinglaunches his newest book, "Animal." http://www.luxphotogallery.com/ 

20:00 Istituto Italiano de Cultura (Keizersgracht 564). Book presentation for a novel by Marino Magliani. RSVP: iicamsterdam@esteri.it. More info: marinomagliani.it 

THURSDAY: 30th September
THURSDAY: 30th September

17-19:00 Veemvloer (Van Diemenstraat 410). Closing party for "Goud vor Hout," Five artists. https://bit.ly/2OuieYi      https://bit.ly/2MeBkE6 
*** 

And there you have it...Another exciting week ahead in surprising Amsterdam. The weather is gorgeous, temperate and friendly to bike riders and those who hoof it. So DO IT, already! You got nothing to loose and a helleva a lot to gain. Decorate that empty wall with a creation that will inspire and/or create an emotional experience every time you look at it. You'll thank 3D for showing you the way..Hmmm, maybe 3D should start a new unreligious religion. Huh? 

Photo: It's autumn once again on the Museumplein where the artist Alejandro Propato says winter is over and the trees are full of foliage once again. Finally!, Photograph by Piet van der Meer

http://gould3dlist.blogspot.nl/  

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