Going back in time: Daniel Gould’s 3D List, Art in Amsterdam #61

EDITORIAL:

Cultural austerity is cultural suicide!

The Netherlands has built an enviable art industry' infrastructure over the last 500 years. It encompasses art academies to technical colleges to university history of art programs. It has created artists, trained restorers, historians, architects, furniture and lighting designers and a wide variety of related niche industries.  

And as the Dutch know better than most people, infrastructure is something you maintain. Think of removing 25% of the bricks used to build the walls along the canals...What would happen? But that will never happen because it is unthinkable---not to mention stupid---we know what would follow. Yet the powers that be are saying that the art industry, in Holland, can survive drastic financial cuts and increased taxation.

So far the results have been to limit several programs and exhibitions at museums, organizations and foundations and to witness the demise of others. Last week, De Ateliers announced that they along with the Rijksakadamie had had a 60% cut in their support subsides. This means 15 less students per year. NIMk, the Netherlands Institute of Media Art, has said it will close its doors at then end of their fiscal year. Pity! It began in 1979 as Monte Video under the private initiative of Rene Koelho and his wife. Over the years, it garnered international support as a leading center for video art. It will no longer be!

Several other groups are holding their breath and looking for private support or ways to produce working capital. And as the cultural infrastructure's tentacles meander their way through all of the Dutch society many will suffer. The people who ship the art, those that build the installations and work for printers who make the invitations, catalogs and PR agencies. Many depend on it. The fall-out will be staggering.

How much will this austerity cost Holland? Look at the lines in front of the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum from Spring to Fall. People from all over the world making their artistic pilgrimage to the Netherlands. Every week, 3D talks with someone, at a gallery opening, who is just visiting Amsterdam because of its cultural offerings. They spend money on hotel rooms, at restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, et al. Can it be said that art is a non-profit industry? The Netherlands is a cultural oasis in a world of crass commercialism. The country attracts international artists, film makers,and actors, designers, et al. All this is being put into jeopardy.

Those who will suffer the most will be the young artists and many will be forced to abandon the aesthetic life for a more secure one like being a security guard at supermarket; actually, many have been supplementing their incomes even during the good times by meaningless part-time or full time jobs. Is this good for the overall society? Remember, culture is the soul of a country!

...And then there is that increase in BTW from 6% to 21%. Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank, warned governments..."That opting for the 'easier road' of raising taxes to fill pubic coffers would not solve Europe's problems." From "E.C.B. chief says raising taxes isn't best solution," by R. Minder and J. Ewing (http://www.iht.com/, 4th May, 2012.)

Take a stand this coming 12th of September and vote to SAVE CULTURE IN NETHERLANDS!

Oh, yeah, almost forgot. Holland is about to place an order for their second JSF (Joint Strategic Fighter plane). It will cost 90,000,000 euro. Many cultural events are free. Will we get to see or take a ride on a JSF for free?

 

INDEX:

Bits & Pieces:

Museum Review: Stedelijk's New Wing.                         

                          "foam" Ron Galella

                          "A Movie Will Be Shown Without the Picture," Stedeiljk Museum/The Movies                        

                          "Isaac Israels," Stadsarchief

                          "The Memories Are Present," Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam

                          "Impressionism: sensation & inspiration," Hermitage Museum 

Music Review: Philip Glass at the Melkweg

Restaurant Review: Nam Kee's newest location

                             The Hilton Herring Party

What You Have Missed:

 

BITS & PIECES: 

De Appel Arts Centre has opened its new---and permanent----location  at Prins Hendrikakde 142, on the 24th May, 18-23:00. There was be a full program that includes the Modern Tate (London) director Chris Dercon along with Prince Carnaval Venlo Abbie I and music by Uber Ich, Circue Valentijn and Ahore Mazda. 
***

By the numbers...Well, there is good news and bad news. The bad first. KunstRAI announced that "about 12,000 people" visited the week event. This was 1/3 fewer people than in previous years...Good news?  Stadsarchief Amsterdam (Vijzelstraat 32) had 30,384 visitors to their recent exhibition: "In Memoriam" which mounted several thousand photos of children up to 18 years old who were transported from Holland to Nazi concentration camps during WW II. This is a record for the organization.
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"We know only 5% of what we'll know in 50 years. The rest simply hasn't been discovered yet." New Scientist 28th April 2012.
***

The legendary cellist Pablo Casals always had a pithy reply to banal questions and more often than not it was witty. Here are two of 3D's favorites. 1. He was asked why he continued to practice at age 90? "Because," he replied, "I think I'm making progress." 2. A journalist asked him what his practice schedule was? "I practice five days a week; eight hours per day." "And how do you start each practice?" was the follow up question, "The same way everyday. I play the scales!"
*** 

...And more for the music lover. Just recently 3D heard on Radio 4 a satirical take off to Ludwig Beethoven's 5th Symphony with it playing in the background. It is narrated by Peter Schichele and Robert Dennis for the Philharmonic Hall in New York Mills and "for Buanu New Horizons in Musical Appreciation." You can see the transcript if you Google the names; 3D couldn't located the actual recording. Hey, even sport fans may like it. Sport fans? Well, you have to hear it.
***

At a shop, We Like Fashion, (De Baerlestraat 106) there is a large sign in the window of the fashion boutique which reads: "To hell with my bank account." http://www.welikefashion.com/.
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If you like to dance..."Dancing with the other Astaire," by Toni Bentley is a book review for "The Astaires," by Kathleen Riley. (http://www.iht.com/ 4th June, 2012.)
*** 

"The inequality of the art market," by Adam Davidson (http://www.iht.com/, 4th June) says it all. 3D is often approached by someone asking "I would like to buy some art. What artist would you recommend?...Oh, by the way, I want to consider it a good investment too." Believe it or not, I have an easy answer for them...sorta. To wit: Buy what you LIKE! If your taste runs to representational, buy that. Geometric abstraction, well, there you go. And forget art as an investment because nine times out of ten you will loose money. So if you buy something you love you will reap the true benefits of what it means to "love art."
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EXTRA...read all about it...Eugene Polley has died at the age of 96 in Downer Groves, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Who was Polley you might asked? He is a person that changed the world in the late 20th century with his invention of the TV remote control. The obit read, in part, "The flush toilet may have been the most important civilized invention ever devised, but the [TV] remote is the next most important. It's almost as important as sex." He actually invented the contraption during the early 50s but it could not come into general use until the 60s.
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Laser 3.14 says, "Pennies from Heaven, Euros from hell." At Oude Doelenstraat 12...At Noordermarkt it is two for the price of one: "The Rut I Can't Get Out Of." Hey, 3D's been there, done that...plus "Potent Seeds Erect Flowers." Maybe that's what life is all about?
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3D loves to quote George Bernard Shaw and I ran across this, today, in a book titled Decoding Reality. GBS has chiseled on his tombstone: "I always knew that this would happen to me."
***

The opening at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie (Fred. Roeskestraat 96)  is on the 4th of July at 16:00; it closes on the 8th. This is the best group show on the Amsterdam Art Scene every year. Kid you not!!!
***

Dr. Montesi was 3D's English 1 professor during my first semester at university. He failed me for the course...but I learned a lot. One time, I went to him and asked about the grade on a paper. He pointed out the numerous errors and said, "And no sentence should be more than 15 words long!" You will note, if you are a regular reader to this newsletter, that I took that advise to heart. But I digress, a few weeks later, I read a William Faulkner novel---not one of my favorite writers---and discovered a sentence that was one and one half pages long. I went up to Montesi to ask him about that?He replied, "When you know the rules, you can break them!" Oh! Now I have read that Faulkner holds the record for the longest sentence in the English language:1,400 words. Ironically, he also wrote one of the all time shortest chapter's. It was five words long: "My mother is a fish." Yeah, 3D will accept that since I have also thought there was something fishy about the man.
***

The scammers have come up with a new approach. 3D had a message about a package addressed to him but was not deliverable. This came from a company calling itself "USPS" service. So named to look much like UPS, the international delivery service. I was asked to pass along certain personal info. I did not, but I liked how they tried to get their foot in the door: "If the parcel isn't received within 30 working days our company will have the right to claim compensation from you for its keeping in the amount of $13.76 for each day keeping it."[sic]. Hey, guys, claim on...
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QUOTATIONS of NOTE: Oscar Wilde said, "When I think of all the harm the Bible has done, I despair of ever writing anything to equal it!"...Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding father's of America said, "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." 3D thinks this is one of America's insane justification to the axiom "guns for all."..."A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep"." Saul Bellow, the late American writer. And Dwight D. Eisenhower, an eight year American president of the 50s, and Republican, said "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed." Amen, to that. Forget penalizing Dutch culture in the name of AUSTERITY...Instead, let's cancel a few orders for F-16s or F-18 or whatever the preferred weapon of the day is. While looking for something else, 3D found these remarks at: http://www.valuesaustralia.com/ 
***

The new STARBUCKS coffee boutique opened on the Rembrandtsplein (next to the Ajax shop) a few months ago. The Starbucks enterprise will probably give Coffee Company a run for their money because the "cafe Grande" which is the same size as CC's "medium" is 2.20 euro as opposed to 3,45. And there are extras. Ask for their check off card; buy nine cups and get the next one FREE. Also, on your way out, at the door, you will see a trunk filled with metallic paper bags. Each one reads: "USED COFFEE GROUNDS to be use [sic] as fertiliser" and the script is followed by a Happy Face. Hey, what's else...when it's FREE.
***

Something is happening in Graz. To wit: "Truth is concrete" is a 24 hour, 7 day marathon camp with around 150 artists, activists and theorist lecture, perform, play, produce, discuss and collect artistic strategies in politics and political strategies in art." There are also "travel and accommodation grants." Weird! The card does NOT list a web-site address.
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Art A Casa (Kerkstraat 411)  is now taking orders for Volume Three of its cookbook series. The first two of the series have been sold out. The recipes are donated by artist. 3D's "Danny's International Chicken Pasta" dish was featured in Volume one. http://www.artacasa.nl/

 

MUSEUM REVIEW:

Stedelijk's New Wing.

Like an old friend that has been for years abroad it is joyful to welcome them back. The Stedeilijk Museum has been closed for what? eight or nine years. 3D has lost count. But there has been an empty space on the cultural life of Amsterdam because of it. Gijs van Tuyl did a marvelous job with creating a faux contemporary museum for several of those years by using two floors of the former Central Post Office. His Andy Warhol retrospective video and film exhibition was not only an eye opener, but a crowd pleaser. You almost forgot that it wasn't being held in a proper museum.

Has the wait for the refurbished old Stedelijk and the tedious wait for the new wing been worth all the effort? 3D has already reviewed the renovated original building and I gave it a glowing review. It could not have been done any better. A week or so ago, the press was invited to see, at last, the interior of the new wing. My excitement had been building ever since the wrappings had been removed from the exterior of the "Big Bathtub" last February.

The new entry is not on De Baerlestraat, but about 40 or so meters from it and at the center of the new wing. On entering, the first impression is how open, spacious and inviting the space is. Wandering through the ground floor area the first thing that got my attention was how the old buildings exterior has been incorporated into the interior of the wing. The new section acts as a "frame" for the Neo Classical late 19th century structure. The very next thing that left me nearly speechless was the monumental east end of the room. It is sort of like the Turbine Room of the new Modern Tate, in London, but on a Dutch scale. One imagination runs away with itself at imagining what great installations will be installed in the coming years.

The ground floor is designed as a reception area and on the De Baerlestraat end, it is a large restaurant. A very good placing since it will serve not only museum goers but the general passer by thus increasing revenue not to mention perhaps encouraging those not generally drawn to a museum to actually check it out.

The new galleries are on the first floor and in the basement; and increase the wall space by 70%. The gallery below ground equals the dimension of the structure. There is one huge gallery with wings jutting from it. The big space is spectacular. There is an escalator which looks like the "Stairway to Heaven" since it is 50, 60 or more meters of continuous stairs in motion which slowly takes you to the first floor and by-passes the entrance. Should you suffer from acrophobia or vertigo there is an elevator available.

On the first floor is another huge space and no less spectacular than the previous one mentioned. You get an even greater appreciation for how big it is when you pass through the rear wall of the old museum and find yourself in the grand gallery that was atop the front staircase. Suddenly, it seems to have shrunk. That's because everything is relative and in comparison to the new the old has taken on different dimensions. I continued into the old wing and at the small front gallery overlooking the Pieter Paulusstraat I see that there has been a large bar installed and plenty of table space to boot. This is new since the Temporary Stedelijk.

As I wander through the old gallery rooms I came into one that had a single painting already in place. It was one of the Stedeijks Willem de Koonigs. It looked magnificent all by its self on the rear wall.

So why is it necessary to wait until the 23rd of September for the public opening. Well, there is much work to be done. I am sure that a selection of works have already been made that will grace the walls and space, but hanging them and doing it properly is an art in itself. Be patient...it will be worth it.

3D had four questions but after three speeches, by those directly involved, none asked if anyone had any questions. Strange.

Footnote: 3D attended the group show at De Atliers. The Stedelijk director was there---that was good to see---so 3D went up to her and said: "I would like to register a complaint." She replied and with a big smile, "I am not taking complaints today...Besides I get too many as it is!" Well, it does come with the territory...but the problem is, I still have four questions.
*** 

"foam:" RON GALELLA

 "foam" (Keizersgracht 609) has opened an exhibition for "Ron Galella: Paparazzo Extraordinaire!" Generally speaking, Galella is a paparazzi (from the Italian for 'buzzing mosquito'), but it has often been overlooked that he is also a damn good photographer. He captures people surreptitiously but often in a way you think it must have been posed. A nice touch is that along side of some of his classic shots hangs the contact sheet with several photographs he took of the same scene, trying to get it perfect. So you should approach this show by putting aside your preconceived notions of the man due to his sensational confrontation with Jackie Kennedy in a New York court room. Just concentrate of these b/w masterpieces of which many are just that.

He came to his career as a photographer after leaving the US Army after several years of service. He has said that the essence of a paparazzi is to be "lightening fast" and since more often than not those targeted with his camera are not willing participants.

Many of the photos have liner notes: "This photograph is truly an exclusive of exclusives of the highly reclusive actress, Greta Garbo...The reclusive superstar covered her face with a handkerchief and said to Ron Galella, 'Go away, go away!'" Others you will see cover the celebrities of the 60s and 70s: The Stones, Beatles, Dylan, Barbra, Dustin Hoffman, Wood Allen with Diana Keaton, Robert Evens with his then wife Ali MacGraw, Julie Christie, Redford, Connery and Roger Moore---the latter also pictured with Albert Brocolli who created the James Bond film franchise, Marlene Dietrich, Twiggy...Twiggy?  She was a model with a matchstick body that dominated the London scene in the late 60s; a bared ass Charlton Heston, Brando, Bardot, Clint, Steve McQueen and Liz and Richard four times, the English Royals and, of course, Jackie with a total of 13+ times.  

In a small gallery there is a documentary film in which Galella is interviewed. In English but NO dutch under titles. Until 22nd August.
***

In the library is the work of Nina Poppe (Germany) with photographs of the Japanese living along the coast of the Island country. Her theme is very elementary, she does captures people in their environment and covers all the different aspects of their daily life. Good photography and a very good overview of a society in a nut-shell. There are also two videos. Until 27th June. http://www.foam.nl/ 
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STEDELIJK MUSEUM/The Movies 

3D loves the movies!!! Both as an art and as entertainment. It doesn't get any better!

A few years ago a series under the title "I Can't Dance" was initiated by the Stedelijk Museum and De Appel. It has continued and from this presentation it is still in both development and evolution stages.

I had no idea what to expect though, truthfully, I did think I would see something. I saw NOTHING. Only darkness. I was ten minutes late when I arrived at The Movies---my favorite film cinema---and an usher said, "It is very dark. I'll show you to your seat." I followed him with his flashlight in his hand.

Once in my seat, I tried to adjust to a darkened room with only sounds emitting from the film screen. At first, from the American regional accent---New Yorkish---and the profanity where the word "f***" is a noun, verb and adjective and sometimes all three cases in one sentence---I thought it might be Martin Scorsese Mean Streets or Goodfellows...Cue up the sound track. Hey, it's disco! It's the Bee Gees! So it must be Saturday Night Fever. "When it opened, in 1979, I had gone to see it for two reasons: 1. I  had seen everything else playing in the city; 2. John Travolta---whom I knew little about---had been a star of a TV sit-com and one of my children's favorites. But could he act?

The film blew my away! It was, after all, a dance film with music. But what we got was a very good story and script, superb acting, great direction and dancing at its best. I went back to see it again. Being familiar with the film, I think, was essential to enjoying this new experience of "hearing" and not "seeing" it. Notes given out said, "As an appropriation of film that is (seemingly) without pictures, as a performative intervention in the cinematic context, as a (non) event that stresses the spectators' agency by leaving them in the dark." Well, that explanation leaves 3D in the dark. The movie was better.

The creator is Louise Lawler ( USofA). She has done two previous "productions." The first was "The Misfits" and was "screened" in Santa Monica California. The next was "The Hustler" screened at the Bleaker Street Cinema in NYC. I asked her why she selected what is primarily a dance film for "viewing" in the dark? I could understand the other two selections she had used which are essentially dramas which depend on dialog, but dance? She had no explanation. In fact, she later told me that she had not seen the film since it opened 33 years ago.

It was an interesting experience. However, I'm not up to going back to hear it a second time like I did the original.I'll listen to the soundtrack instead,
***

STADSARCHIEF AMSTERDAM: Isaac Israels

Isaac Israels was the son of Jacob Isräels; both are considered important Dutch artists of the late nineteenth and early 20th century. Isaac dropped the "ä" and changed it to "a" so as to differentiate himself from his father's shadow. Isaac is considered "one of the exponents of Impressionism in Dutch art." This exhibition centers on his view of Amsterdam and done during the years when he lived here (1887-1905 and 1918). He looked at "everyday life and the atmospheric: the lively streets, children playing, men hauling goods, dance halls, theaters, cafe, and the fair."

There are several paintings hanging; and one looks to be in the style of a contemporary avant garde expressionistic work. He was far ahead of his time. However, the strength of this exhibition is that the majority of the work are drawings. Some from his sketch books and others well developed. In these drawings you can see even more of the impressionistic influence. And perhaps that is because of the themes in which he tried to capture the moment in quick and sure lines.

This show is accessible to English speakers, as well, since the liner notes are in both English and Dutch. But hurry! The show closes on the 28th of August.

...And while you are there check out two small exhibitions. Doriann Kransberg "recorded the new Amsterdam in the making" (1984-2012) with a series of photos of Amsterdam construction sites. Until 29th July.

Theo Baart has photographed historical interiors of Amsterdam homes in the new south""Wonen in een herenhuis, 1875-1945" (Living in a Lord's house, 1875-1945). Until 8th September.

Vizelstraat 32. https://bit.ly/1WeP2EC 
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STEDELIJK MUSEUM BUREAU AMSTERDAM:

"Where would art be today if the modernists had not seen cultural objects brought to Europe from the former colonies?...that is most obviously manifested in the physical separation of their collections in buildings that are dedicated either to ethnographic or art." That's the theme of the present exhibition at Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam (Rozenstraat 59). What you see is a little of everything from the traditional nude-like sculpture to a video of an auction at Christie's. Of course, it is the everything in between that makes the exhibition interesting. The styles range from the conceptual to the very simple like the "M'barek with his Object ID which is a wall projection of 55 questions that are asked by museum registrars when they make inventory." Until 12th August. http://www.smba.nl/ 
***

 HERMITAGE MUSEUM:  "Impressionism: sensation & inspiration"

This is a mini review. It is because this is an important show and to do justice to it will take time; plus, this last list of the season is already too long and should have been sent a few weeks ago. The complete review will appear in September with the "The 3D List #1" for the new season. In the meantime, go see it before the crowds get too large. I will leave you with this quote from Paul Cézanne who said "I shall astonish Paris with an apple." Signed: The editor.  

MUSIC REVIEW:

Philip Glass was back in town and at the Melkweg. Glass loves Amsterdam and comes often. He and Rob Malasch, the promoter of "Philip Glass: An Evening of Chamber Music" have been friends for nearly 30 years. Glass has even performed gratis at one of Rob's previous galleries. The subtitle "An Evening of Chamber Music" is in one way misleading. 3D would have said, "An Evening of Interpretation of Glass' Work." Glass introduced the program by saying that most of the music we would hear came from years ago. He went on to say, that two of the performers had come to him and said that they had adapted pieces of his work to their instrument: harp and violin. Glass was perplexed. Was this possible?  He said that the muscles and ligaments used in playing both a harp and violin are different from those used in playing a piano. I'll take his word for it.

So we had Glass performing with Tim Fain accompanying him on violin; then there was Lavinia Meijer on harp who was accompanied by Feico Deutekom on piano. The program was nearly 90 minutes long and there were no breaks. There were three encores. The program was repeated on the following night and a total of just under 3,000 people paid 47,50 euro for this unprecedented evening of avant garde sounds. Thanks Rob...Let's do it again and soon.
*** 

RESTAURANT REVIEW:

Several years ago I was talking with someone at an opening and wishing to continue the discussion I suggested dinner. "I know this great Chinese restaurant, I think it one of the top three in the city, but unlike the other two, it's cheap. It's the Nam Kee on the Zeedijk." The reply was, "Oh, everybody knows that!" Yes, nearly everyone does...and for good reason...It is GOOD. A few years back, the management opened another branch adjacent to the Nieuw Markt. I have yet to visit it. I always liked the Zeedijk location with it communal tables, very fast and stoic service. After 25 or more years of eating their I still get the idea that I am not recognized. But, I digress.

The Nam Kee, on the Zeedijk, opened in 1981 with only 16 seats. I noticed a few months back that Nam Kee had opened up a third location at the Marie Heinekenplein 4; just behind the Heineken Experience Brewery on the Stadhouderskade. I had a ticket for the Philip Glass performance at the Melkweg and an hour an one half to kill. I generally never eat before eight or nine, but  decided to make an exception and have a quick meal. Everything together pointed to Nam Kee--- at the new location---as a good solution. When you enter the new space two things come immediately to mind: 1. It's big; and 2. It is stylish. No communal tables but there are several large round tables with ten chairs circling them. In fact, there is seating for almost 200 guest. Certainly not the Nam Kee of the Zeedijk. However, one thing that is the  same is the menu. In fact, it has the same corresponding numbers. As an example, one of 3D's favorite dishes is #29: Roast Duck and Babi Panga, together. What a wonderful mixed marriage of ethnic foods. However, since this was not the original Nam Kee I decided to search the menu for something different. It takes time; even my waiter didn't know how many entries were listed, "About 300 or so" he replied to the question. Also, the Zeedijk location was always a challenge when it came to exploring the menu because it was in Dutch and some English.This one was consistent with everything being in English and Dutch. It was probably for this reason that I spotted Roast Suckling Pig (and only available on Saturday). But I am getting ahead of my story because I ordered, as a starter, the Fried Dumplings. They are not deep-fried like won-ton, but in a skillet. I discover them about 40 years ago at a New York Szechuan restaurant and it was love at  first taste. They have been slow in coming to Amsterdam, unfortunately. You are served three with a vinegary sauce and shaved scallions; you must request sambal if you like it hot and spicy. The cost, ridiculously cheap at 2.50 euro when you consider the taste and texture experience.  

One thing I should note is that Nam Kee has cut overhead---though almost painlessly---by eliminating the two varieties (hot and very hot) of sambal that in the past sat on the table. Of course, this is something that only a sambal junkie---like 3D---would notice.

The Chinese are master cooks and use three techniques to achieve their succulent dishes: Steaming, stir frying and roasting. Sometimes they use two of the techniques in a single dish; and I am sure there are probably a few in which they use all three. Chinese duck is so notable because of what they do with the  skin. The classic dish, Peking Duck, requires a two  day preparation and that is mainly because the coat the skin, with a soy based sauce,  then hangs so the skin will dry out naturally. Pig is another food where the skin is a delicacy when it is prepared correctly. Nam Kee did this and did it well. The crispy strips of pork covered a big plate of rice. It was delectable. (14.00 euro.) 

I always order tea at Nam Kee. And there are three reasons: It is fragrant; you get a full pot and it is FREE. I did notice, on the new menu, that it is only FREE when the bill is nine euro or more.

A novel incident took place. I arrived early at around 18:30 and that turned out to be fortuitous because about 15 minutes later a parade of people began to file through the entrance. Suddenly every table was taken and people where lining up at the door. Impressive! As I was paying my bill the waiter apologized for my "long" wait for food after ordering. It was certainly longer than I had ever waited on the Zeedijk, but it wasn't that long that he needed to apologize. Also, the servers are more friendly than the Zeedijk staff which tends to be distant. I'm not sure I'll find a reason to return to the Zeedijk location.

Maria Heinekenplein 4, http://namkee.nl/ (An excellent web-site with much info.)

 

The Hilton Haring Party:

I LOVE HARING!!!! And I'll shout it from the highest mountain top....

It is as good and flavorable as American fudge (a rich chocolate candy) and both have a wonderful texture...And, it gets better: It's good for you!!! It has all these essential oils for the heart and blood.

For some reason, the organization that sponsors the party will not put me on either their guest list nor press list. So, every year I must crash the party. This year, as I was leaving home, I checked the weather outside my window and saw it was drizzling rain. I dressed accordingly and put on my baggy jacket to ward off the chill. I also decided not to dress for the herring party since I don't enjoy dodging raindrops while trying to enjoy myself. I went to the Pinto library to catch up on my reading of the Int Herald Tribune---I was several days behind. At closing, 17:30, I emerged into a completely different world. The rain had stopped, the sun was out and there was a warmth in the slight breeze.

Party time...and it was a good idea.

Many aspects attract me to the this annual introduction to the "nieuwe harring." One is the opportunity to eat as much herring as possible---conceivably enough to make me sick---and the fact that it is all FREE. Life doesn't get any better. It's like having your cake and eat it too, but, again, in this case, IT IS GOOD FOR YOU!!!

The lavishness of the event---a very good quality of wine is served----is what makes the tickets hard to get. This is a corporate showcase party at its best....And that also means the best, the highest quality of their product---the haring---that is available. (Last year, the party was delayed because the haring run was late.)

The other highlight of the event is to sample the creative ways haring can be served. This year the main attraction was Sushi Herring...And it is a mixed-marriage made in heaven! There were four varieties of Sushi harring and one was as good or better than the other. There was strips of herring served as a slab on molded rice and the round pieces held together with sea weed....and, of course, there was soy sauce, shaved ginger and that hot green paste that clears my sinuses. WHEEEEE!!!! It works!

The Dutch have been doing business with the Japanese for 500 years. What took so long for this marriage to come about. Mystery of mysteries.

...And there was more...There was a cold haring salad with asparagus. 3D went heavy on the green tips, but got a few pieces from the stalk. Different flavor and different texture, but both oh, oh, sooooo good! And, again, good for your health...Life doesn't get any better...Now where did I hear that?

3D will send a copy of the this review to the powers that be...Maybe next year I will be an invited guest...doesn't matter though...Just try and keep me out!
***

WHAT YOU HAVE MISSED...But some exhibitions are still on... 

Just when you think you have seen everything, something new pops up. This was the case at Galerie Vriend van Bavink (Gelderskade 58) with an exhibition for Ankje Dekker. She breaks all the taboos of what art ISN'T! She hangs 20 abstract expressionistic works...and they are all the same...almost! Each has identical colors, forms and composition. They are almost the same because of these three factors. But they are also ALL different. Each is indeed a unique piece of art because each is an individual creation. But if you study any two closely you sill see significant differences; 20 pieces, taken as a whole, they are the same. Confused? Well, maybe this will get your attention: the pricing. ALL works measure the same at 70x60 cms. But each work has its own individual price which ranges from 50 to 1,000 euro---in increments of 50 euro each. At the opening there were FIVE RED DOTS: #2 @ 50 euro; #13 @ 100 euro; #8 @ 150 euro; #16 @ 650 euro; and #6 @ 750 euro. Cute! It is for this reason that the work transcends the abstract/expressionistic style and becomes also conceptual. Until 7th July. http://www.vriendvanbavink.nl/  
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"Galerie bart" (Bloemgracht 2) hangs Jochem Rotteveel who emulates the late work of Piet Mondrian in the material that he uses to create his colorful geometric/abstracts. The material is colored tape. Mondrian went form painting liner abstractions to using color tape when he worked in New York. But Rotteveel's work looks nothing like the master and the forms he creates are basically conceptual. Nice. (60x50 cms., tape on cardboard @ 1050 euro; 150x150 cms., tape on cardboard @ 2,478 euro.)....Showing, too, is Wouter Rens who is a conceptualist. One work is a simple circle made from MDF with oil paint added. Another consists of four long (270 cms.,) board lengths which has a tri-pod base that tappers off at the top. A third work is a study in conceptual redundancy, but that doesn't saying anything. Think of the test pattern on your color TV screen. He takes the colors orange, green and blue and uses them in a pattern that covers the color spectrum. Cool! (90 cm., dia., MDF, oil paint @ 507 euro; 270x50 cms., wood, acrylic and oil paint @ 924 euro.)  Until 28th July. http://www.galeriebart.nl/ 
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Rolando Deval (Italy) is at Frankendael (Midddenweg 72) with truly an amazing show. He makes objects  from both steel and felt. But it is an installation that will get your attention. He has taken seven cms., spools of thin wire and from the middle of the spool he draws out a 70 cms., long segment which is allowed to stand, erect, on its own. He has collected about 3,500 of these spools in one room of the gallery. It took three people working four days to set it up. It is an impressive sight. Other work is based on metal as well. He takes two or three sheets of steel and on each, using a blow torch, he cuts out and an abstract pattern. each sheet is then placed in front of the other with a few cms., between. Thus, each piece has its own distinct pattern. Nice!

The felt objects are uniquely designed too. He has cut from a flat roll of felt a piece with and abstract shape. This he raises above the surrounding surface thus giving the work a dimensional effect. It is monochromatic and could not be more simple. (40x50 cms., felt @ 1,000 euro; 133x193 cms., felt @ 5,800 euro; 35x30 cms., steel @ 1,500 euro; Installation in situ, iron wire @ 12,000 euro.)  Until 30th June.
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At "stichting outLINE" (Oetewalerstraat 73)  is Sachi Miyachi's (Japan). She had built a space within a space. "It is a structure made of wood and looks like a giant Erector Set." And it is on three different levels. The 1st level consist of a sitting area with a newspaper rack; the intermediary level has only a wooden bench; and the the top level---only a few meters from the gallery room's dome---is a work space for a hair salon. And it is a working space. On Saturday and Sunday (13-17:00)  she offers to wash and "massage your hair." Oh, yeah, conceptually speaking, the structure can be classified as a geometric linear abstraction as well. Until 16th June. http://www.outlineamsterdam.nl/ 
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Steven Aalders is at SLEWE (Kerkstraat 105) with paintings that are ALL the same, but each done differently. Huh? Yeah, it's a neat trick! All the forms are geometric linear bars dividing the canvas into rectangular segments. What saves the work from being banal is that Aalders is a also a colorist. And he does it from the simple to the complex. He breaks the color mode with two works  with one in b/w and the other white/cream white. They hang together...And elegantly. (25x25 cms., oil on linen @ 2,650 euro; 100x100 cms., ouil on linen @ 10,500 euro; 6 piece oil, each 85x85 @ 45,000 euro.)  Until 16th June. Hurry!!! http://www.slewe.nl/ 
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A new gallery has opened. Galerie Pallas (Weteringschans 123) is owned by the Art Shop on the Leidsegracht. The inaugural exhibition hangs the work of Guy Olivier who is a figurative representational artist with lots of color resulting in very busy canvases. The imagery is of people and, generally, partying people. What removes this work from being ordinary is his whimsical approach to his subject matter. It will be the colors that attract your attention because he hasn't left out any from a color chart. (73x99 cms., print @ 1,250 euro; 80x100 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 4,000 euro; 200x240 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 17,500 euro.)  Until __?__. https://bit.ly/2oy1jJ7 
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Galerie Clement (Prinsengracht 843) shows four artists. Elsbeth Pluiners does bronze, crystal and ceramic work. The bronze pieces are monumental because of their clean lines and simplicity of form. An oval work has a metaphysical feel to it. (500 to 1,95 euro.)...Helen Vergouwen's sculpture work is made from cor-ten steel. It, too, is truly monumental and could be an architectural model for a future building, the forms are pure and simple (925 to 4,500 euro)...Frederik van Woudenberg does geometric/abstract drawings which tend to break out from this style by being more free or in motion. Nice work! (490 euro.)...Antoine Wiertz emulates both Piet Mondrian and Jan Schoonhoven, but he does it differently and in his own way. He paints simple geometric/abstraction and makes reliefs. It is the reliefs that are monochromatic linear abstractions that brings to mind Schoonhoven. (30x30 cms., @ 700 euro; 50x12 cms., relief @ 450 euro; 50x50 cms., relief @ 1,230 euro.)  Until 2nd June.

...Well, you missed that show. The current one is for Jan Cremer...Scroll down for review...https://bit.ly/2J3VcnE 
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Ronald Versloot is at AKINCI (Lijnbaansgracht 317) and he is a painter in the true sense of the word. All works on display are figurative, but that doesn't come close  to describing his style and how he interpretes the human form. Often he sees it as a non-entity. That is, the figure is a solid black with no defining features. The "Dance" is an exceptional piece with two people doing a ballroom dance; the man is all black and the woman all white. Fantastic juxtaposition. (70x60 cms., acrylic and spray paint on linen @ 3,500 euro; 100x160 cms., acrylic/ enamel on linen @ 6,800 euro.)  Until 16th June. http://www.akinci.nl/ 
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The current exhibition at Motive Gallery (Mvr van Riemsdijkweg 41A) features the work of a man and woman duo: Lonnnie van Brummelen and Sieberen de Haan. In a sense, this is more of an historical account of a piece of art which is now at the center of a geopolitical discussion. Along one wall, there are 18 framed reproductions from a book that explains (in English) and illustrates "The sculptural narrative of a monument marking the defeat of an invading Celtic tribe by the city-state of Pergamon" which was located in the present day Turkey. In another section of the space, you will see a 35mm b/w film of the area today. The camera pans the hills and ruins but also included a cityscape view of the city that now occupies the ancient site. There is sound, but neither music nor dialog only ominous notes and the sound of the wind as it rustles the bushes and flowers. ("Wit Dazzled Epigonos," collage and notes on image resources ink jet print on rag paper. Ed. 8. Framed. Edition 1, 2 and 3 consists of the complete series and priced @ 25,000 euro; Ed. 4,5,6,7,8, are individually available, in two sizes 68x47 cms., @ 1,775 euro; 68x71 @ 2,150 euro). Confused? So is 3D. Until 3rd June. http://www.motivegallery.nl/ 
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Gerhard Hofland (Bilderdijkstraat 165)  hangs Sebastian Dacey who is a minimalistic representational painter that likes to do trees. The colors are soft pastels. A few are geometric/abstractions. (90x80 cms., oil on canvas @ 4,250 euro; 110x1210 cms., oil on canvas @ 5,250 euro.)  Until 30th June. http://www.gerhardhofland.com/ 
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WGKUNST (M. van Bouwdijk Bastiaansestraat 28) hangs the photography of Anne Marie Trovato who has photographed Turkish families living on both Amsterdam and Ankara Turkey. We get the feel, both emotionally and societal, of the family unit both inside and outside of their culture. Most are in color but with a few b/w. the technique is good and the compositions interesting. her work has been featured in Vrij Nederland, Fcus: Toonaangevend in fotographie; and Camera Australia: International. (50x50 cms., @ 450 euro; 100x100 cms., @ 850 euro.)  Until 13th May. http://www.wgkunst.nl/ 
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Jac Bisschops is back at ARTTRA (2e Boomdwarsstraat 4) for his fourth appearance with an exhibition titled "Quiet Light II." Indeed, an appropriate titles since four of the works look almost monochromatic, but are not. Each is in a dark blue and an almost blue/purple. But you feel both the geometric division of the the form and color more than seeing it visually. Cool! He continues this series of work using gold leaf and each piece is a geometric configuration within the composition. Conceptual minimalism at its best! (40x30 cms., tempera on canvas @ 1,250 euro; 30x30 cms., tempera, gold leaf on wood @ 2,750 euro; Trip-tych, each 33x30 cms., titanium, white, gold leaf on wood, @ 5,300 euro.) Until 22nd June. http://www.arttra.com/ 
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At "Galerie bart" (Bloemgracht 2) there are three German artists...Karen Irmer is a photographer that plays with and manipulates light in her work. She does it at two stages: 1. When taking the photo. 2. The ways she prints it. What you see is reminiscent of late 19th century photos reproduced on metal plates. She uses metallic paper instead but softens the affect by laying down a matte layer. As a result, the photos visually respond to the light both natural and artificial. The results are pleasing (24x36 cms., C-print Dibond, Ed 10 @ 400 euro; 100x150 cms., C-print Dibond, Ed. 3 @ 4,500 euro.)....Jürgen Paas is a conceptual artist who likes color. He expresses the color in circles and each circle contains a variety of colors. There are perhaps 35+ circles; sometimes, the background is black and sometimes red. A pure conceptual piece consists of two sketch books and each has multicolor pages. They are framed open to a page in cobalt blue accented by the various other colors along the edges of each page. (52x34x2 cms., Diasec, Ed. 5 @ 600 euro; 61.5x61.5x4 cms., 2 sketch books, aquarell, MDF, steel frame @ 3,250 euro)...Urcula Oberhauer is also a conceptualist. The work  ranges though different mediums and materials. Hanging from the ceiling is wool thread that splays itself across the floor once it reaches it. The drawings are simple geometric/abstraction. In one, she uses paper that looks like it came from off the street. But don't get me wrong because it looks good! (21x29.7 cms., mixed media @ 700 euro; 162 cms., wool, aluminium @ 2,700 euro.)  Until 9th June. www. galeriebart.nl 
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Chris Berens is back for the fifth time at JASKI ART GALLERY (N. Spiegelstraat 29). He began his professional career as a graphic artist. In fact, he was awarded first prize for his work by the New York Times. So what do you do for an encore? Simple! You become an artist. To make the transition, Berens created a new and probably unique style which is deceptive. It looks like collage work but it really isn't. Each piece is a drawing done with pencil and colored pencil or wash.

This show is titled "Amsterdam." Various sites of the city are depicted but not in a way that you have ever seen them before. This is a historical feel that pays homage to the 17th century Dutch school of artists. Also, there is a surreal effect which interjects humor. Because of both these factors we see the old and the new Amsterdam and generally in the same work. SIX RED DOTS; TWO GREEN DOTS. (40x40 cms., drawing ink, graphite on wood @ 7,500 euro; 103x95 cms., @ 7,500 euro; 158x183 @ 14,500 euro.)  Until 20th May. http://www.jaski.nl/ 
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Circle Gallery (Kerkstraat 67) has an interestingly balanced show. Amanmdine Meunier inspiration comes from the automobile rubber inner-tube. The artist does what one might expect with the material and that is cuts out patterns which can be worn as a necklace.(150 to 360 euro.)...Ellert Hatjema, interestingly enough, has also been inspired by the rubber inner-tube. But he has converted it into an object and at full-size. It still looks like a tube, but he does embellish it which separates it from the banal to a pleasing and satisfying work of art. He also hangs photography. The imagery you could describe as conceptual still life's: a broken bowl held together with tape; a bucket filled with tied down objects. "Murphy's Law" is an eye catching work. Made of rubber on metal, it is a dog posed at an unusual angle. It has a white splint on the leg which comes across as phallic. (100+ diameter rubber objects @ 4,200 euro; photographs, Ed 5 @ 900 euro.)...Merina Beekman likes b/w and considers it an excellent medium whether she is working in ceramic, material/fabric or doing a wash drawing. The washes range from conceptual figurative to ceramic  and accented with b/w. there is a tapestry that resembles a vest but there is an illusion of images too. Nice! (Ceramic hand @ 1,400 euro; Tulips on oil, ceramic @ 2,900 euro; 180x120 cms., wash @ 8,500 euro.)  Until __?___
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Rob Nypels is at "witzenhausen GALLERY" (Hazenstraat 60). The press release say's he "lives in the almost virginal, isolated and inaccessible French Massif Central in Auvergne..." That may explain the fact that what we see are tree branches and out of focus at that. He gets up close so it is a group of intersecting branches that we see as opposed to the actual tree. but then he goes an extra step and shoots the imagery out of focus with a resulting mystery effect. the composition are also unusual. (40x40 cms., manually enlarged color-coupler print @ 1,800 euro; 100x100 cms., Ed. 3 @ 3,700 euro.)  Until 16th June. https://bit.ly/2zCqZwM 
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The 3D era is HERE!!! No, it ain't me! Just a few years ago, I viewed an exhibition at DROOG, the design gallery, of chairs of intricate and meticulous design which had been shaped with a new 3D printer. There was only one factory in the Benelux countries that did it and it was in Belgium. The machine that did the work was very expensive and the time required for each chair was about 72 hours of continuous operation. But that was then. Today, an individual can afford to buy some models of the 3D printer. Nick Ervinck, now at RONMANDOS GALLERY (Prinsengracht 282) gives us a good preview of what to expect of this new art genré that will be developed with the machine. The work is very complex object/sculpture both intricate and mesmerizing. He also hangs several prints that are just as intricate in their geometric/abstract design. You get the feeling that he may have had some medical training as well since many pieces resemble body organs. The prints will bring to mind the toy kaleidoscope that fascinated you when your were young. (36x52 cms., print Ed. 10 @ 1,350 euro; 155x120 cms., print, Ed 5 @ 7,700 euro; 53x34x33 cms., 3D print including plinths and plexicap, Ed 5 @ 27,000 euro.)  Until 23rd June. http://www.ronmandos.nl/ 
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At "gallery 9" (Keizersgracht 552) are two artists. José van Tubergen works with two techniques: 3D object (yet, again) and paintings. The paintings are all b/w geometric/abstractions. But he uses several varieties of styles to express them from the simple blob to pieces with different symbols. 3D objects are the newest thing in art technique. There is a computer controlled copy machine that creates any image the software suggest. In the case of Van Tubergen, he has fashioned small cubes, balls and pyramids that have added nuances along their surfaces. (15x15 cms., acrylic paint on canvas @ 325 euro; 80x80 cms., oil paint ink on canvas @ 2,100 euro; 3D prints: 4.5x6.5 cms.., @ 280 euro; 24x9.5x9.5 cms., @ 1,145 euro.)...Dorien Melis has two techniques as well. The works on canvas have several holes punched into them which are connected with irregular lines. But what stands out are the collages from cardboard and maisonette. The forms are reminiscent of the Russian Constructionist of the 20s and 30s. Nice! 20.5x15.5 cms., acrylic paint on panel @ 300 euro; 38x28 cms., mixed media @ 950 euro; 38x30 cms., acrylic paint on panel @ 1,100 euro.) Until 23rd June. https://bit.ly/2O2dGJ6 
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Galerie Paul Andriesse (Weterstraat 187) has a group show of six photographers. And it's a good show. The work ranges from the contemporary styles of photography to the conceptual. Anne Huijnen prints out with ink jet photos that have been enhanced in a particular way, in fact the technique emulated chroma-lithography which was a later 19th form of color print making....Iren O'Callaghan has several unique approaches to the photographic art form...Marcel Surrmann plays with both light and the perspective thus turning banal subject matter into something special...In the gallery's rear space is the work of Lidwien van de Ven whose photographic style leans more to the traditional . These photos of the Mideast (Israel?) capture not only the daily life of the people but also the area's geography. A huge photo is a very nice example of motion photography but in a more subtle fashion than we generally see. Until 1st August. http://www.paulandriesse.nl/ 
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Galerie BMB (Kerkstraat 127)  is showing two artists. Ruud Aarts is a figurative representational artist that uses the expressionist style of brush strokes to achieve the effect. There is always a vagueness to the imagery even though it is always recognizable. The colors are laid-back and complimentary to the subject matter. (30x40 cms., oil on canvas @ 650 euro; 50x60 cms., oil on canvas @ 800 euro; 130x180 cms., oil on canvas @ 2,800 euro.)...Lars Bang does drawings, paints and makes bronze sculptures. His drawings are representational and meticulous. His paintings can also be described in the same way, but with an element of light that he more or less expresses with images of fire. His bronze work is sort of figurative, but with a surreal element...Or maybe it is better to say a whimsical one. Go and see got yourself. (25x35 cms., drawing @ 330 euro; 50x70 cms., oil on canvas @ 1,000 euro; 150x200 cms., oil on canvas @ 3,200 euro.)  Until 30th June. http://www.galeriebmb.nl/ 
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Charlie Roberts is at VOUS ETES ICI (Lijnbaansgracht 314). He combines at least three styles into one to create his own unique signature. His influences are African carvings---especially the mask---graffiti and geometric/ abstraction. But the work is somewhat subdued because of his preference in colors: grays, black, ochre and a mild pink. In the back gallery there are more styles by Roberts. Basically, a montage of drawings/collages and each one tells a different story. Each piece has several images, busy. One has 400 individual drawings in 50 frames hanging as one piece. There is much humor in his work. In the gallery's office is "The Alphabetic Archive: Volume 1." There are 26 individuals drawings each on a subject from "Arnold Arsonists to Zany Zoo." (50x38 cms., oil on linen @ 2,500 euro; 112.5x76.5 cms., watercolor, pencil on paper @ 5,300 euro; 225x151.5 cms., watercolor on paper @ 14,400 euro.)  Until 23rd June. https://bit.ly/2vwApoe 
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At LUMEN TRAVO (Lijnbaansgracht 316) is showing the Nigerian artist Otabong Nkanga who does simple gouache work that is set off as much by their compositions as the imagery. But the main attractions are the tapestries. Contemporary both in their imagery---sort of figurative/abstract---and the design of the tapestry as to its material and the fact that the artist adds collage nuances. It is a combination of drawing, photography and textile. (No price list available at artist request.) Until 23rd June.
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Keep those RED DOTS coming...Netty van den Heuvel (1956-2012) is the artist at De Witte Voet (Kerkstraat 135). She has had a little over 10 exhibitions at the gallery since her first show in the early 80s. He style remains the same which is intricate linear and structural designs in ceramic. More often than not, the work has a monumental feel and a few pieces are quiet large when you consider the delicate material she works with. Almost everything is pure white with a few exceptions which are in red or infinite shades of gray. (400 to 1,400 to 5,000 euro.)  FOUR RED DOTS at opening. Until 23rd June. http://www.galeriedewittevoet.nl/ 
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Jesse Farber, the artist, is in a rut...and, personally, 3D hopes he stays in it. Farber specializes in Rembrandt. He emulated the master's technique and style---you can't go wrong there---but makes it his own with aside, tongue-in-cheek humor. He also selects various luminaries from centuries past and applies his style which fits their period. Footnote: Two "self portraits" of Rembrandt are "signed" "Rimprant." This was Rembrandt's name pronunciation by his English contemporaries. (111x111cms, silkscreen, Ed. 10 @ 850 euro; 43x53 cms., oil on treated cardboard @ 1,750 euro; 122x150 cms., oil on panel @ 5,500 euro.) The show was for only three days. https://bit.ly/2NHnoA4  
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At Galerie D. Stigter (Elandsstraat 90)  is an installation by Maze de Boer. She takes us on a journey into yesteryear. As you enter the gallery, you immediately see a b/w huge b/w photo of a small corner convenience store which were so common until just 20 or so years ago. Behind the photo is a reproduction of the interior---counter space and shelves---along with "items" that were for sale. The items are made from wood and painted in the style of the brand's design. Be sure to pick up a copy of this show's invitation. An excellent b/w reproduction of  of a photo from 1930. Until 30th June. http://www.dianastigter.nl/ 
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Popel Coumou is at TORCH (Lauriergracht 94)  with her representational photography done differently. Some works have a surreal feel and others are "masked" by linear design aspects through much of the imagery. One, though in color, could pass for b/w. We see, well, "feel" is the better word, someone going through a door. There is another work, which pictures an interior, has the flavor of Edward Hopper both because of its linear form and light. (Same work, two sizes: 47.5x70 cms., Ed 5. @ 1,066, 130x87 cms., Ed. 5 @ 2,133 euro; 22.5x31.5 cms., pencil on paper, unique collage @ 1,066 euro.)  Until 30th June. http://www.torchgallery.com/ 
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Art A Casa (Kerkstraat 11) is showing three artists. Tamar Rubinstein makes collages which have both complexity and simplicity. Neat trick! There is not one theme to her work, but many. Several have typography and some include pithy messages like "God is busy, may I help you?" (175 euro.)...Joke Schole revives the lost art of porcelain tableau design. Small works that picture pastoral scenes or the kin. Many wall pieces include animals from fowl to pigs. (45 to 575 euro.)...Andrea Letterie paints and make representational objects. But its the paintings that will get and hold your attention. He specializes in doing flowers. And with very colorful colors at that. These are "happy" paintings. They bring joy to the eye. (Paintings, 850 to 975 to 1,500 euro; objects from 200 to 500 euro.)  20 RED DOTS at close of opening. Until ___?___. http://www.artacasa.nl/ 
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Kai Chan hangs a dramatic "tapestry" at Galerie RA (Nes 120) that measures 203x 500 cms. It is all in black silk thread. It resembles a well used fisherman's net in some ways but there are several different geometric abstract designs. Another way to look at it would be as a series of spider-webs that has been meticulously fabricated into an intricate design. (Price on request)...Ela Bauer works in polyurethane, textile (silk, polyamide, etc)  and other unusual materials. The results are visually compelling. Many pieces are meant to be worn as a necklace or you can hang is on the wall. Three resemble aprons but each is embellished with geometric nuances made from polyurethane. Two other large pieces that can be worn as and elaborate necklace are in black or white. She also designs and makes jewelry often using the same materials; 32 works on display. (ring, polyamide @ 120 euro; necklace, polyamide @ 480 euro; apron textile, polyurethane, paint pigments @ 950 euro.)  Until ___?___. http://www.galerie-ra.nl/ 
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"C&H art space" (2e Kostverlorenkade 50)  is showing Arnold Helbling (German) who has an unusual if not unique "painting" technique. He paints on a type of plastic then transfers the image to canvas. The work itself is representational expressionism or just geometric/abstract/expressionism. Even in his representational work the identifiable objects sometimes tend to be obscure. The work has much color without being over powering. (87x82 cms., @ 5,500 euro; 127x183 cms., @ 10,500 euro.)  Until 23rd June. http://www.ch-artspace.com/ 
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Alex de Vrede is at Galerie Lieve Hemel (Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 3) with his unusual style and technique. His technique is to cut from thin panel the shape of a table, let's say, or even  in the shape of wrinkled wrapping paper that had been used thus creating an irregular edge. The style is a mixture of pure realistic representation done more often than not with overtones of geometric/abstraction and, at other times, there is an element of the surreal. If this paints a confusing picture then go see for yourself. (Irregular shapes and sizes, oil on masonite @ 6,200 to 12,500 euro). This is the artists eight or ninth show, at the gallery, since 1980. Until 9th June. http://www.lievehemel.nl/ 
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De Appel Arts Centre has inaugurated its new space at Prins Hendrikkade 142. Once again, They have a permanent home. And there was one indication that said they may survive the austerity movement.

But first the show. A huge tapestry measuring three by four meters is a show stopper and it is at the beginning of the exhibition. It is by Berend Strik and is colorful in contemporary shades and hues but still have the traditional sense of the imagery that you might find on a Dutch militia painting from the 17th century but related to the middle of the 20th century...There are also a series of original engravings by Jacques de Gheyn II (c.1600)...When you go in search of the stairway, leading to the upper floors, you come to a foyer with 1,738 LED lights illuminating the space. It is a wall installation by Allard van Hoorn that measures five by nine meters. It comprises staffs jutting from the wall with a white bulb like circle at the end. They are at various lengths and each support a 10 cms., diameter bulb; and each bulb changes color thus you get a combination of colors and sometimes the whole thing turns monochromatic. According to the artist, there are six LED light units in each bulb and three colors: red, white and blue. The multiples are mind blowing as to how many color combination are possible: 16,700,000. There is a metallic background which helps it to be all the more dramatic. It will remain in place for one year...On the second floor...many pleasant surprises. As I you walk into the main space, a painting immediately catches your eye which hangs on the right wall. It is a very colorful figurative work and an oil about 40x60 cms in size. It is by the Belgium artist James Ensor---love his etchings...And there are more surprises.

As to De Appels survival...Well, the building includes a basement restaurant/cafe, "Restaurant MOES" (though 3D prefers "De Appel Moes" which translates into "Applesauce") which could have a major influence on cutting the overhead cost of the operation. All in all, it would appear that Ann Demeester, the director, has pulled of a minor miracle...And they said it couldn't be done. 
http://www.deappel.nl/ 
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RUDOLFV (Kerkstraat 427)  is showing four artist and sculptors. Marloes Wijtsma is an abstract representational painter who also draws on the canvas. Abstract often means distorted imagery that grabs your attention. In her work, it is a subtle laid back abstract style softened by pleasing pastel colors with the imagery sneaking through. The subject matter ranges from flowers, butterflies, birds to a beguiling reference to Botticelli's Venus. (750 to 2,700 euro.)..Marijke van der Wiel is a sculptor working in bronze. You might describe the style as contemporary impressionistic. And there is a sense of motion in her figurative pieces not to mention a monumental feel. The subject matter ranges from female nudes to birds to sheep...And what is even more amazing then the quality of the work are their prices: 550 to 1,750 euro. Each piece is unique (I think)....Christine Closs covers all the bases. She hangs mixed media works and metal collages. The latter are rather unique. She has cut out from metal---and used metal rods---to form abstract tree imagery which is also representational. Good work! (2,500 to 3,500 euro.) The mixed media canvases are also of tree trunks and there branches. The colors are shades of brown. And like the metal work, they are both abstract and representational. (1,800 to 3,000 euro.)...Joost Tholens is an abstract photographer that is also representational---lotta that going around. The result is like looking at reality through the lens of a kid's kaleidoscope. He works in both b/w and color. Some works play with prospective in clever ways. (275 to 325 euro.)  Until 14th July. https://bit.ly/2mdb7ay 
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Arnout Killian is at Van Zijll Langhout (Brouwersgracht 161). He paints linear geometric compositions that are only incidentally representational. Both styles stand out...You can't separate one from the other. The geometric aspect  stands out because of the angles and perspectives. The representational comes through with his use of light which has a Edward Hooper affect. (100x100 cms., @ 5,200 euro; 145x160 cms., @ 6,100 euro; 180x160 cms., @ 6,300 euro.)  Until 31st August. https://bit.ly/2m7l7Sk 
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David Jablonowski (UK) is back in town. Last seen at SMBA about two years ago. His work is difficult to describe and explain. There are multiple techniques that he incorporates in the making of these minimalistic works of art. I know, that sounds like an oxymoron. He does it all with video, collage metal/Plexiglas wall hangings and huge sculptured pieces. (Google "Gould-Jablonowski" for picture). The sculpture pieces are rectangular floor works that at first glance appear to be made of concrete. But, on closer inspection, you see that it is Styrofoam. There are slight embellishments to each piece on display like a metal plate covering and/or Plexiglas sheets. A series of A4 sized wall hangings could not be more simple in either form or the material used: metal sheets divided by metal sheets and Plexiglas. His videos are conceptual and the projection you will find is sometimes unusual. (33x25 cms., offset printing, steel Plexiglas @ 1,800 euro; 30x25x19 cms., anodised aluminium, acrylic, plastic sheet @ 2,500 euro; 310x70x171 cms., Styrofoam, plaster, aluminium @ 8,000 euro.)  Until 21st July. http://www.fonswelters.nl/ 
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Julia Winter (NL/Russia) is at De Kring , the artist' club, (Kleine________________) and brings the front page news from around the world to our attention. She is presenting her "newspaper series" (in the restaurant) which she began working on several years ago. She would ask different nationals for a copy of one of their countries newspapers. The first, in the series, is a Moscow daily (1991) and except for the masthead it is covered in black which represents its date which was when the coup against Gorbachev took place. Radio and TV played "Swan Lake" over and over for three days. Recently she exhibited the now 194 pieces of work at three museums. This is a short version with 30 examples. What she does is to make each individual page special in some way. The added collage features may be inspired by the headlined events. She approaches it historically, graphically and artistically. That's the symbolism, but the visual is something completely different. Sometimes you see a hypodermic needle, a measuring stick, a drawing, etc. Remarkably there are no two the same. (450 to 700 euro.)  Until end of June.
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Showing, too, is a series by Martin Last where the most obvious theme is "imagery in a circle." In fact, there are more than 100 45 rpm size pieces hanging above the glass partition separating the bar from the smoking room. Look up! He cut out the circles than either drew on them or made a collage. What you will see is a mix of the abstract to the representational and everything in between. The title for the installation is "Single Again" which refers to his present domestic situation. And they are all at a nice price: 99,99 euro each. Actually you should by it as one. Until 18th June.
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Jelle Kampen is at WGKUNST (M. v. Bouwdijk Bastiaansstraat 28) with cut outs from material and in intricate patterns which creates a geometric/abstract composition. And to make it even more interesting, he layers two, three of more sheets over each other giving a greater sense of depth. In addition, he paints similar patterns on canvas and these tend to be monochromatic. Show closed 28th May. http://www.wgkunst.nl/ 
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Bring on the sex machine...And that is just what has happened at Ten Haaf Projects with their exhibition "Sexhibition." It is billed as "A mind-blowing group show with female artist on the theme of eroticism..." Some of the work is very interesting like that of Dawn Frasch (USofA) who has a very good contemporary impressionistic style with imagery reflecting back to the 17th century. Some may find the imagery unacceptable, but the technique is first rate...There is also photography and an unusual aspect is a series of nudes featuring the Japanese photographer, Misato Kuroda, in which she captured herself just after having sex. Oddly enough, the imagery has been sanitized; she has air brushed out her vagina...A series of painted match boxes (6x4 cms.) with each featuring a nude painting is on sale at a reasonable 50 euro. Also available are buttons; and "knickers" each with an individual quote like "I 'Love' (as a heart)  My C***."Well, it's that kinda show. Go at your own risk! Until 21st July. http://www.tenhaafprojects.com/ 
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Galerie Van Krimpen (Hazenstraat 18)  is showing Aernout Mik who has a sense of humor. He makes almost representational objects of people and though they are without heads, he reproduces a photographic portrait on the torso. Each work is dressed in the photo-shirt. Two other pieces are also torsos but each with a porcelain oval plate with photographic imagery of either a building or an abstraction. One has an unusual composition and the other two have humor. (88x124 cms., silkscreen in quadrichromie @ 3,700 euro; 65x35x25 cms., Stuffed photo linen and porcelain @ 14,280 euro.)...Showing in the small back gallery is Nare Eloyan who does drawings that range from provocative, mildly so, to the humorous. Some works are mixed-media, pencil, wash, pastel and/or gouache portraits. (450 to 550.)  Until 9th June.
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...And just down the street is VERVERS (Hazenstraat 54) with the work of Laetitia Molenaar who emulated the style of Edward Hopper but through the medium of photography. She does it with the assistance of PhotoShop and while she is faithful to Hopper's forms and even subject matter---her niece stands in for Hopper's wife, Jo---it is her use of light that compliments the master. She embellishes in small ways which makes the work still more attractive. Nice! (12x9 cms., Epson Quality Photo Inkjet paper, Ed. 1 @ 750 euro; 148x102 cms., Glicee print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Bright White mounted on Dibond @ 6,200 euro.)  Until 16th June. http://www.verversgallery.nl/ 
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Frans van Lent is at Reuten & Reuten (Prinsengracht 534)  and he sees reality through the window-shield of a moving car and paints what he sees. Your first clue of this is the vague outline of a rear view mirror which partially blocks out the scene. The painting generally reflect a route through a wooded area which means that they are dark and thus the imagery is undefined and vague. A video details the car trip. (50x70 cms., @ 1,800 euro; 70x90 cms.,@ 2,100 euro; HD-DVD, Ed. 4 @ 2,380 euro.) Until 17th June. https://www.reutengalerie.com/ 
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This is the most incomplete review that 3D has written...Blame is on FOOTBALL. I arrived at Meneer Malasch (Postjeweg 2) at fifteen after six on the 9th of June for his opening for Max Snow. There was also an opening at the new gallery, just across the street, at "gCS"  (see review below). I parked my bike at Malasch's and took in the other show first. When I came back for the Snow exhibition, the door was locked and the lights were out. The first game for Holland in the Euro Cup had began at 18:00 (I thought it was to begin at 19:00) and only a couple people had shown up. Fortunately, I had seen about seven or so examples at KunstRAI and it is from that that this review is written.

Max Snow is certainly not for every one's taste. He is provocative on several levels and sometimes he is just as funny as he is shocking. The present show, at Meneer Malasch is probably "for men only" since it features women bare breasted---gosh, just like Vondel Park in the summertime. The title is "100 Headless Women," and that is a slight exaggeration because the women DO have their head still attached, however their faces have been blacked out. If this is your cup of tea, don't miss it! Until 30th June. https://bit.ly/2mrkyDb 
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At "cGS-Galerie Cultural Speech""(Postjesweg 6) are the photographs of Mario Marino (Austria). The photos, in the "Faces of Africa" are for the most part b/w portraits of Africans representing seven different tribes (in Ethiopia) and sometimes in their natural "dress" and with face decoration. 3D emphasizes "dress" because sometimes the subject is wearing nothing. The face designs are interesting when seen as geometric/abstractions; both dress and face painting ranges from the simple to the elaborate. The quality of photography and printing could not be of any higher quality. The artist was nominated for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize in 1011. (Each photo is available in three sizes and in three editions:  60x43 cms., Ed. 10 @ 1,800 euro; 85x60 cms., Ed 7 @ 2,800 euro; 140x110 cms., Ed 5 @ 4,500 euro.)  Until 25th August. https://bit.ly/2NjgosL 
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A Japanese/English photographer, Chino Otsuka is showing at Huis Marseille with an exhibition titled "A World of Memories." And that is exactly what it is all about. There is a series of photos dating between 1975 to 1985 when she was a young girl. These are shots of her and her sister that were taken on the family's travels. She has digitally updated the work...Then there is a series of conceptual photographs of which five are monochromatic in gray...Another series captures the imagery from her extensive traveling in recent years. Some are visually unusual because it may be out of focus or a street scene as viewed through a rain swept window to a country road hanging next to a linear geometric look at the basement of a commercial building with its assorted pipes and door frames....In the basement gallery there are photos of the banal like an ordinary window drape showing only the lower part that meets the floor. But then there are a few that create a mystery like an open door with only a foot exposed; a person's legs dangling from a raised platform but the rest of the body hidden by closed doors....There are three back lit photos which are eerie. She has superimposed a figurative image over another photo. The superimposed figure is almost ghostly...In the museum's garden house there is a series of photos from her graduation project for the Royal College of Art (London, 1997). "She fried [sic] photographs of herself or froze them in liquids such as miso soup and boiled them with noodles." Very unusual to say the least. Until 9th September. http://www.huismarseille.nl/ 
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3D has always thought that Jan Cremer laid in on thick! No, not his writing, but his paint. Well, he is even more into the thick of things with his current show at Galerie Clement (Prinsengracht 845). And it looks good...Real good! There are no tulips nor perceivable landscapes to be seen amongst the oils hanging. These are expressionistic renderings that pop out at the eye like a double barrel shot gun firing a paint ball directly at you. In other words there is an explosion of color; lots of shades and hues of blue and red. 3D mentioned to Cremer that a few were as thick with paint as a work by Bram Bogart. He replied, "I studied under him, when I was18, in Paris!" In the gallery's upstairs space are his lithos (landscapes) from the early 2000s and ceramic work. Good show! (80x120 cms., litho Ed fo 20 to 60 @ 1,000 euro; ceramic plates @ 3,000 euro; 45x50 cms., oil @ 15,000 euro; 210x180 cms., oil @ 90,000 euro.)  Until 24th June...So, hurry! https://bit.ly/2J3VcnE 
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Robert Vorstman is hanging oils at Galerie Mokum (OudezijdsVoorburgwal 334). He is a representational painter which narrows his style to both shades of impressionism and expressionism. His strokes are easy and swift. The color variations of reality is the nod to the impressionist. His subject mater ranges from Amsterdam' street scenes to automobiles to interiors (both domestic and commerical) to dogs and people. (650 to 10,000 euro.) THREE RED DOTS at opening. http://www.galeriemokum.com/ 
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At Galerie Roger Katwijk (Lange Leidsewarsstraat 198) is a return exhibition for John O'Carroll (UK). His category is conceptual simplicity and he expresses it in several ways often with a different voice and vocabulary. There are works on old wood which are enhanced with paint and wax; some of these are diptych or triptych. His paintings are almost monochromatic, but not quite. There is much white and smears of gray. The various materials are encaustic, gesso, flint, seashells, steel, beeswax, et al. (17x60 cms., wood, flint, gesso @ 1,250 euro; 10x150 cms., graffito @ 6,800 euro.)  Until 22nd July. http://www.galerierogerkatwijk.nl/ 
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Galeri Brandt (Prinsengracht 799) is celebrating its second anniversary with a group show which features their leading artists from this period. Alain Delorme has a series in which he shoots China street scenes; especially what people transport on their bikes. And some are absolutely unbelievable. (77x120, C-print on aluminium @ 5,000 euro.)...Christopher Jacrot does Manhattan and its side streets and captures the loneliness of the big city. (70x100 cms., C-print, Ed. 10 @ 2,380 euro.)  There are five other artists also on view. Until __?__. http://www.galeriebrandt.com/ 
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Two artist, one from Brazil the other from Spain, are showing at "galerie wies willemsen" (Ruysdaelkade 25). Regis Goncalves di Coco paints nearly monochromatic canvases with an expressionistic feel. The canvases are structured which give each work a sense of depth. Colors range from cream color to deep reds and blue. (30x24 cms., oil on canvas, @ 790 euro; 40x30 cms., diptych, oil on canvas @ 1,200 euro; 90x68 cms., dip-tych, oil on canvas @ 2,900 euro.)...Ricardo Morales (Spain) carves truly monumental wood sculpture pieces that have character. One large work consists of two sections seamlessly intertwined and has a graceful take-flight feel to it. Smaller pieces have this same feel of motion and, again, their designs are monumental. (38x17x10 cms., walnut @ 490 euro; 60x40x15 cms., walnut @ 680 euro; 30x30x177 cms., wal;nut @ 3,600 euro.)  Until 30th June. http://www.wieswillemsen.nl/ 
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Galerioe G. Rolt (Elandsgrcht 34) shows Shezad Dawood (Pakistain, India, UK). This is the second show, at the gallery, for this London based multicultural artist---oh, yeah, his stepmother is Irish. So there are several influences that have shaped his style. The featured work consists of a series of tapestries which is an art form from earlier centuries that is showing a revival. For the material he uses vintage Pakistani and Indian textiles with imagery and stitches several together into a  montage. He then gently paints over them. He also exhibits two neon light sculptures. One is  a linear work and the other is a diptych, one a circle and the other an oval. Nice! (66x76 cms., wall mounted neon @ 8,700 euro; 105x155 cms., acrylic and screen print on vintage textile @ 15,000 euro; 180x360 cms., acrylic, screen print on vintage textile @ 30,000 euro.)  Until 23rd June. http://www.gabrielrolt.com/ 
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Frozen Fountain (Prinsengracht 645) is a fun gallery for both furniture and design...All kinds of design. And it is gallery as opposed to let's say a "design shop" because it has regular exhibitions of design, furniture and photography. Tomm Velthuis has created his own "farm." Perhaps he is paying homage to Calder's "Carnival," He describes them as "unorthodox toys." On display is a wooden set that includes 200 pigs plus other things essential for a farm. It is a unique work and priced at 20,000 euro. ..Arile Levy and Laurence Brabant present another take on the Asica paper covered lamp. They maintain the original design concept but go and extra step by "framing" them. (135 to 325 euro.)...Roos Kalff takes an ordinary wine glass to a new level of utilitarian use. As an example, she combines from 30 to 40 glasses tiered together where each glass is an individual vase. Neat! (35 to 350 euro.)...A neon sign reads: "Illusion is the finest of all pleasures." You say that doesn't do anything for you? Don't despair. It is only an example of what you can do yourself. You purchase each letter separately by buying each glass neon letter (@ 49 euro + adapters. 1 to 3 letters require one 49 euro adapter.)  Cool!...3D likes this title: "Dust Collectors." A cute name for a line of "vases." I qualify vases because each one is filed with holes. The body of the base has a design which is formed by cutting the imagery from the body of the work. The inspiration ranges from colorful to Pop School Art. (30 cms., @ 1,600 euro; 50 cms., @ 3,200 euro.)...And finally, there is the avant garde still life photography of Leonie Linotte.She is a recent graduate of the Rietveld Art Acaedmie. The theme of this series is "Time Capsules." Indeed, each photo is a montage of various things. Great!.  http://www.frozenfountain.nl/ 
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Yodram Roth (Germany) is an accomplished professional photographer who has done about every style in the category and a sample of that can be seen at the Park Hotel (Stadhouderskade 25). He is competent from several directions: composition, scenes/sets, posing, color and light. Roth generally features ladies. He approaches his subject matter much as a fashion photographer with a keen eye for every detail from the hair and make-up to the rooms background features. All of which are meticulous presented. This show comes from his new photograph/story book "Hanjo." It is a photographic adaption of a Yukio Mishima play which was based on a 15th century Japanese Noh Opera. http://www.parkhotel.nl/

P.S. If you only know the Park Hotel from the "old days," check out its reincarnation. Great design and enmities. It was selected as the Best Business Hotel in The Netherlands.
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...And, that's all folks! This is the finally list for the Amsterdam Art Scene 2011-2012. It has been a thrilling roller coaster ride through the aesthetic wonderland that we affectionately call ART. Every year is unique and some more than others. With that thought in mind, one always looks forward to the new season to come...And that's 3D...Already looking forward to September...Until then...Happy trails to you...

Photo: The Independent  

http://gould3dlist.blogspot.nl/  

 

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