Going back in time: Daniel Gould’s 3D List, Art in Amsterdam #79

There are few things that you can buy that satisfy as much as a work of art. A well selected piece is more than a pretty picture or interesting object because it has an innate emotion and soul put there by the creator. And a true artist is a true creator. What makes Amsterdam stand out, in the world of art, is its proximity to great works of art whether it be contemporary or from the 17th century; it is all here to be seen. And it is so very convenient for seeing it. Take advantage of this unique opportunity that comes from living in not only one of the world's most beautiful cities, but one that is truly a cultural crossroads in a world filled with the banal and trite...You are a lucky person...

INDEX:

BITS & PIECES:

ART FAIR REVIEW:   KUNSTRAI 2014

MUSEUM REVIEWS:  "foam" @ FELIX MERITIS

                                          Prince Claus Fund Gallery
                                          
                                          Gemeente Amsterdam Stadsarchief
                                          
                                          "huis marseille museum voor fotografie"

WHAT YOU HAVE MISSED:

BITS & PIECES: 

The best art exhibition of the year is the Eindexamen Expositie (Last Exam) at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie from 2nd July to 6th July. https://bit.ly/2tlk3Of 
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...And Elvis is alive and well and hanging out at the new De Hallen library/coffee shop (off Kinkerstraat)...almost. The java joint offers hapjes, cakes and cookies plus the "Tosti Elvis. Peanut butter with bananas! Hmmmmm @ 3,50."
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Just found this note tucked away..."By the number; Is there a perfect age for artists?" www.inyt.com 2nd Jan. 2014.
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The male/female battle rages on. Cy said, "My friend Judy is a staunch feminist, we had a rocky relationship." Cy's friends asks, "How did you win her over?" Cy answers, "I told her that half my ancestors were women." 
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3D saw this on a Cherie's FACEBOOK page: "I don't care if you are black, white, straight, bi sex, gay, lesbian, short, tall, fat, skinny, rich or poor. If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you.  Simple as that!" Amen! Words to live by.
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KochxBos has edited and published a book for the French artist, CIOU. If you know her work you should expect to see quirky, weird, strange and mysterious drawings and work in pen and ink. She works in both b/w and color. The book, itself ,was printed in the Netherlands. CIOU, 140 pages on 170 grs paper @ 35 euro; signed edition plus a Giclee print---signed and numbered---@ 115 euro). www.kochxbos.com 
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The Club of Amsterdam's next program is "The future of Transformation, 26th June, at Cebral Gebouw." What's transformation? you ask. Check out their website for more info. www.clubofamsterdam.com or www.clubofamsterdam.blogspot.com 
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...And for the last word...Let's hear it for LASER 3.14: "Welcome to the Fourth Reich." Huh? Who is he talking about? Pretty Boy Geritt? His hair is on the rise again. Damn!
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ART FAIR REVIEW:  KUNSTRAI 2014--30th Year (RAI) 

It has been 30 years since Wim van Krimpen set-up the first KUNSTRAI. During the late 90s, it evolved into another manifestation, Amsterdam Art; and a few years ago it reverted back to being KUNSTRAI. The current version is still an abbreviation of those art fairs. A little over 60 galleries are exhibiting this year; about half of what the last Amsterdam Art Fair had. But there is an up side. It takes about two hours to see everything; easier on the legs and knees. This year it moved from the dismal "Hall M," to next door and a somewhat newer building. While the floors are still an ugly black scarred surface, your mind doesn't dwell on it. A red carpet livens everything up a notch. 

The overwhelming majority of galleries are Amsterdam based; but several call Den Haag home and a few from outside the country. So you say, "Hey, I know the A'dam gallery scene; I've seen all the artists." That's true, but fortunately, that while the galleries select their most successful artist they don't show work from unsold stock, but totally new pieces. It will not be a replay of the season but an adjunct. 

Does anything or any one artist standout? Not really; and that's good! There are some novel approaches to selling techniques however. My favorite was the artist who offers his work to pay for his retirement which will be in 2050. As you enter the fair, at the right, you will see Vriend van Bavink's display for Mathijs Booij (1983). You can purchase any of his drawing on time: You pay 1 euro per month until 2050. Cool idea!

There seems to be more conceptual art this year and less representational painting. On the other hand, lots of photography, objects and sculpture. There are several galleries showing ceramic and glass art; and don't overlook the jewelry and new jewelry exhibitors. 

There is one oddity, this year, from previous ones: Less COBRA. Generally, several galleries featured a wide selection of works by Appel, Constant, Lucebert, et al. Not so this year. Only a few galleries  show drawings or small oils; however the prices seem reasonable when compared with other years. In fact, for the most part, the prices are less than in the past at allthe galleries which reflects the state of the economy. Hey, take advantage of the bargains. 

Opening times are: Thursday, 5th, 12-21:00; Friday, 6th, 12-21:00; Saturday, 7th, 11-18:00; Sunday, 8th, 11-18:00; and Monday, 9th 11-18:00. Sorry, the press package doesn't list entry fee nor parking cost. More info: www.kunstrai.nl 
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MUSEUM REVIEWS:  "foam" @ FELIX MERITIS Building

"foam" and FELIX MERITIS have formed an informal partnership. Each floor of the historical building, and each gallery/space features several aspects of the photographic, video, fashion, art, magazines, beauty, camera obscure and design work. The opening for the exhibition was packed. The street had been blocked off; and the staircase leading  to the upper floors had a steady stream of people going up and down. The only complaint: Too much to see.

Check out the ground floor bookstore where you will find back issues of the "foam" magazine plus books and whatnot's. Also, the second issue of the new Dutch photographic magazine, NEW DAWN, is available and free. Until __?__. www.foam.org 
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Prince Claus Fund Gallery (Herengracht 603) has converted and reorganized their ground floor space. They have eliminated the library and the entire floor is now an exhibition space. The change helps much to highlight the present exhibition for the Colombian artist Oscar Munzo. The room is dark. The work is in video form but presented differently. Very differently! Three "tables" are like interactive videos.You will see someone "processing"  photo images---and erasing images. One wall video show the artist doing a brush portrait. There are a series of 12 portraits-collages Polaroid size---that form the image. Each photo is held in some one's hand. In another piece, we see the image of a head in a sink and after a few minutes the portrait is "washed away." But words don't really convey the impact of his work.This is one of the Fund's most spectacular shows. Until 1st August. https://bit.ly/2LhADq4 
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A retro exhibition for Ed van der Elsken is at the Gemeente Amsterdam Stadsarchief (Vijzelstraat 32) titled, Old Photos - 1947 - 1970. Van der Elsken was one of the first street photographers. He loved Amsterdam and especially the people. The exhibition is mounted in a special way. It emulates the book AMSTERDAM! in that you go from photo to photo and it coincides with the actual book's presentation of the work. The book was a joint project with the graphic designer, Anthon Beeke, who assisted in its layout and design. And the book is a real bargain when you consider how many pages it is...And NO one knew when I asked the powers to be the question. There is an audio tour which is FREE with your ticket purchase; it is in both Dutch or English, mention what you prefer. 

This show "highlights the story of a post-war photographer who is grieving over the murder of his Jewish fellow-townspeople." The work is all in b/w which captures the emotions of the moment; the b/w and contrast is exceptional. The street scenes capture the city under snow and ice, blue skies and the glow of summer; then there are the 'bad boys,' the young women with their beehive hairdos; people dancing in the street and people fighting/demonstrating in the street, too. There are two videos with English under titles. 

An apropos to the exhibition is the work of three contemporary Amsterdam street photographers: Hans Eijkelboom(1949) who "highlights similarities and differences in things like clothing, hairstyles, and eating and drinking habits"; Reiner Gerritsen (1950) calls his work "the choreography of the street"; and Theo Niekus (1956) who captures the moments, "recording isolated snatches of time in all their profusion, unpredictability and messiness." Until 21st September. https://bit.ly/1WeP2EC 
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"huis marseille museum voor fotografie" (Keizersgracht 401) is showing the work of two photographers. Taco Anema does formal group portraits and there is a feel for both the 17th century Dutch militia paintings and Rembrandt's "The Night Watch."He selects the Board of Directors or an organization's administrative managers and poises them in sometimes unusual positions. 

Guido Guidi chronicles our environment; both the urban and rural. the subject matter could not be more banal, however how he captures the imagery and his compositions of it make the photos something special. His "portrait"photographs show people in their environment whether it is on the street or an interior setting. Until 7th September. www.huismarseille.nl 
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WHAT YOU HAVE MISSED...but there may still be time...

Manifesta, The European Biennial of Contemporary Art, have turned their foundation office, on the Herengracht (474), into a gallery. Actually, in some ways its better than a gallery because you are seeing art in a work place where it is only an accent to the environment. For this exhibition the guest curator is Martin van Zomeren of the gallery by the same name. There are a total of ten artists showing. 

The range is eclectic from installations, to sculptures, to drawings, paintings and video works. Some very nice surprises, too. The styles are as varied. Note: You must make an appointment to view the work and reservations are possible between the hours of 10:00-18:00 by emailing: marjolein@manifesta.org.  

On the 28th June, 2014, MANIFESTA 10 will open at The Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The action is centered around the General Staff building, of the museum, but "public programs will also be presented within the city...through events and encounters with contemporary culture out side of the main Manifesta's 10 venues." 

Also, check out the MANIFESTA JOURNAL at www.manifestajournal.org
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At the WGKUNST is a very special exhibition. It is for mentally impaired people. They use art as therapy through the direction of Inter-psy. The show is an excellent overview for these autodidact artists. You will see  true naive style to a couple artists that could show today at any of several Amsterdam's established galleries. 

One artist, Julia, does a conceptual figurative drawing which is intricate and surreal (A3 @ 75 euro); Sally hangs a landscape alive with color. (70x120 cms., @ 350 euro); Nora emulates Sam Francis with the use of w/c and a palette that could have been the masters. (50x70 cms., @ 140 euro); Sue.E.Zadeh [sic] hangs two landscapes one of which is exceptional in both its composition and colors. (350 euro); Saskia Tijsterman shows a striking portrait of her mother (NTK). As you can see the prices could not be more reasonable. But, HURRY! Until 15th June. The exhibition was curated by Catherin van Lith who said that when she went to the work space, to view the art, what got her attention was the people and their intensity. www.wgkunst.nl 
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WANROOIJ GALLERY (Stadshouderskade 41) opened an exhibition of Polaroids by 66 individuals photographers titled RAW BEAUTIES.  All the pieces are originals. And what a good exhibition it is. Thee are all erotic; some  fetish-like and some provocative. Unfortunately, there are NO name tags next to the snaps. The prices range from 275 to 750 euro. The opening was an occasion for a book presentation. the publication features all the Polaroids on exhibit. It is a joint effort by the gallery and Hans Boersma. (RAW BEAUTIES, 160 pages; Polaroid size @ 25 euro). www.wanrooijgallery.nl and www.rawbeauty.nl 
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BORZO (Keizersgracht 516) has Claudy Jongstra with wall hangings made with fabrics like raw silk, linen, etc. But how do you classify her work? Are they objects, wall hangings or tapestries? She prefers tapestry but admits it they are not made with the traditional technique. In each work there is a predominant color scheme which is either black or white. And each instance there are added color nuances; as an example, she extracts from the madden root, unique to the Netherlands, the oil to make the dye. (125x80 cms., @ 8,000 euro; 140x200 cms., @ 12,500 euro; 250x225 cms., @ 25,000 euro) Until 5th July. www.borzo.com
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Pepe Smit and Harm van den Berg is at Gallery Witzenhausen (Hazenstraat 60) show a single video and its like watching the first TVs back in the 50s. The "screen" is about four cms., across and about three cms., high and with an oval shape. The video opens on an empty room. Pepe Smit appears and we watch as she welcomes her guest. She directs them to what must be a wall with a peep-hole in it. Only a few venture close enough to look through it. And we are rewards by these curious few viewers puzzled expression. Until 21st June. https://bit.ly/2zCqZwM 
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Kobe De Peuter is at Morren Galleries (Prinsengracht 572) with work that, at first glance, looks hyper realistic. But is is from from that technique. He does borrow elements from that style but with the brush strokes of an impressionist. While the imagery is representational what you see is geometric abstraction. He adores perspective and from every angle imaginable. Light and mirror-like reflections enhance the mystery of his work. (3,950 to 4,700 euro)...Wiebe Maliepaardis a realist. His portraits, in both pencil and oil, look like a photograph. But his "camera's lens"picks up om every detail like the whiskers on one man's face. Until 27th July. www.morrengalleries.nl 
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Guillaume Bijl returns to LUMEN TRAVO (Lijnbaansgracht 314) with his whimsical and kitschy objects and it is a Great Show! Kitsch at its very best. It'll make you smile as well as get your attention. Conceptual redundancy is a segment of his technique. Twenty mannequin female heads and each with a different color wig and each wig of different hair style are fun. Six vitrines take kitschy parrots and mount them in several poses; my favorite, plastic forms of tarts, cakes and candies, each presented on its own small platform. A fetish-like mannequin dressed in leather with whip is life size. 
 Until 12th July. www.lumentravo.nl 
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AKINCI,  just a few doors away (Lijnbaansgract 318), is once again showing the work of Charlotte Schlieffert. She has had several exhibitions over the last few years at the gallery, so you may already be familiar with her style. It is an interesting one because the imagery ranges from pleasant and calming flowers to provocative social commentary. Her style is nearly naive or child-like. You will be stimulated or sometimes repelled. (65x50 cms., color pencil on paper @ 1,300 euro; 309x151 cms., mixed media @ 14,000 euro)....Showing with her is Glukya/Vasya from Russia. His family name is not included because of the possible repercussion from the Russian state. But, remarkably, he is only 16 years old; and he has not had an art lesson. This show is meant as a statement. It is mounted as an installation which consists of several pieces hanging from the ceiling with drawings and/or text. Along the walls are photographs of the demonstration he attended because he was urged to do so by his grandmother. It was for the 9th of May, the anniversary date for the former USSR' Victory Day (1945). Be sure to read the press release for a further appreciation for the show. (20x30 cms., collage photo Ed. 3 @ 300 euro). Until 12th July. www.akinci.nl 
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Douwe Elias brings his contemporary impressionistic paintings to Galerie Mokum (OZ Voorburgwal 334). He specializes in two subjects: Silver tea pots; and room interiors, especially Grand Cafes. There is much color as to be expected but it never overpowers the imagery. He has very good light as well. All works hanging are with frames, however the two largest works have exquisite ones. (950. 2.750. 4.900, to 12,000 euro). Until 29th June. www.galeriemokum.com 
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BORZO (Keizersgracht 516) mounts a show for Luis Tomasello (Fr/Argentinian, 1916-2014). The artist was 98 years old and still producing when he passed away earlier this year. He makes relief/construction pieces from wood. "They are characterized through the reflection of a colour against its background. He calls them 'Chromoplastic Atmospheres.'" Some works are very colorful and there are a few monochromatic. Piet Mondrian was a major influence after he had seen an exhibition, of the master, at Den Haag's museum in 1957. He is included with international minimalist and especially those working in geometric abstraction. There are 14 examples. (21x41x8 cms., acrylic on wood @ 18,000 euro; 36x36x5 cms., acrylic & wood @ 25,000 euro; 135x135x12 cms., acrylic on wood @ 110,000 euro) Until 7th June. www.borzo.com 
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Rento Brattinga Galerie is hanging the work of Bonnie Severien who is a geometric/abstract painter whose imagery shakes your visual perspective like an earthquake. Squares, triangles and circles all colliding and harmonizing together. Some might make you dizzy! She paints in clearly defined layers giving depth to the work. Big and small pieces. The benefit to that is the small works are prices for any one's pocket book and the large ones will grace the lobby of an office building perfectly. (24x30 cms., acrylic on linen @ 960 euro; 32x58 cms., acrylic on panel @ 1,400 euro; 200x300 acrylic on linen @ 7,500 euro). Until 5th July. www.rentobrattinga.com 
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SLEWE shows Steven Aalders and his nearly monochromatic paintings. I say nearly because for all intense and purposes many works are just that. However, each has a painted white border which seems more for the purpose of containing the colors. Other works repeat the same formula but features four color squares and sometimes with multiple colored borders to separate them. This is conceptual minimalism at its best! (25x25 coil on linen # 3,000 euro; 100x100 cms., oil on linen @ 12,500 euro; Dip-tych, each 175x175 cms., oil on linen @ 35,000 euro). Until 28th June. www.slewe.nl 
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If your favorite art style is geometric/abstraction, don't miss this exhibition at WALLS (Prinsengracht 373). Three artists show the latest in what is happening. Luuk Bode paints minimal geometric abstract designs on shaped canvases. There is a simple purity in his imagery. He has a minimum number of color on his palette. One work is 90% black, 8% white and 2% yellow. (200x60 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 2,750 euro)...Gilbert 1 makes elaborate geometric abstract constructions from all sorts of material. They are truly 3D wall hangings and feature as material: paper, cardboard, wood, spray paint, etc. (63x70 cms., @ 1,700 euro)...Graphic Surgery (aka: Erris Huigens and Gysbert Zijlstra) is, again, geometric abstraction but nearly all is in b/w. They work with old wood, metal, and other materials. In fact, there is a trip-tych of neon squares. A small floor installation consists of a wooden "smiling" chair. (30x40 cms., @ 700 euro). Until __?__. https://bit.ly/2LRAexM 

Appels Gallery (Brouwersgracht 151) is hanging the work of Sabine Tress who is an expressionist painter. She is sometimes chaotic in her approach to the canvas. The imagery has a nervous quality of rapid brush strokes which gives it its tension. Your eye is constantly in motion. She also, in a way, pays homage to Willem De Koning in her brushstrokes and sometimes with the colors, especially pink. (80x60 cms., @ 2,800 euro; 170x160 cms., @ 7,200 euro). Until 4th July. www.appelsgallery.nl 
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Two artist show at "GALLERY bart" (Elandsgracht 16). Sara Glahn does photography/sculpture and all together. And this exhibition gives nepotism a positive side. She has taken work done by her artist's father---conceptual sculptor, his work is on view---and used it as a backdrop to her imagery in her photographic work. The result has several positive aspects. 1. we see her father's work as a grouping in her photos; 2. Sculpture compositions arranged to accent the linear geometric form. Also, she photographs individual pieces and sometimes the framing of these works makes all the difference in the world. The piece becomes dynamic.(15x10 cms. inkjet prints, Ed 3 @ 250 euro)..."Feets...do your thing..." is a lyric from an  old Doo Wop song from the 50s. 3D is reminded of this by Isabelle Wenzel's photographs that focus, indirectly, on feet and especially shoes. Her presentation is conceptual. The imagery---sometimes color, sometimes b/w---goes from pure representation to comic to Man Ray---like his Ray-o-graphs. She sometimes turns the representational into geometric abstraction. Neat trick! (A4, artist's prints, unique @ 350 euro; 45x30 cms., print behind Plexiglas, Ed 5 @ 500 euro; 120x100 cms., Fine art inkjet print on wood with resin, Ed 5 @ 2,100 euro). U
ntil 28th June. www.galeriebart.nl 
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Martynka Wawrszyniak (Poland) brings something different to the art scene with her show at TORCH (Lauriergracht 94). The press release says of the exhibition that it "will function as an olfactory (smell/aroma) self-portrait featuring a scent-chamber filled with aromatic essences extracted from the body of the artist." Huh? And she includes the smells of her sweat, hair and tears. She also shows both photographs and a video of he process of wrapping the body in surgical gauze and its removal. At the close of the show it will move to the Felix Meritis Building and that showing will be sponsored by FRAME publisher. (101x68 cms., C-print, Ed 5 @ 3,000 euro) Until 28th June. http://www.torchgallery.com/
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RON MANDOS (Prinsengracht 282) is showing the Russian artist' Nika Neelova who is a conceptual sculptor that keeps things simple and minimal. At the front of the gallery, there are several Calder-like metal  "mobiles"  hanging from the ceiling. I quality "mobiles"  because they appear to be stationary. Just beyond that, a linear and rectangular cement and metal work which has the form of a Japanese stand-up screen. An elaborate floor object consist of cast concrete and hard rubber. There is no color in his work; it is either b/w or the materials natural color. (30x30x4 cms., @ 2,250 euro; 100x40x40 cms., ventilator blades cast in charcoal dust, black steel, black wax @ 4,500 euro; Sculpture pieces with steel armature @ 22,000 euro)....In the back gallery is the work of Ine Maers who does b/w photography and her emphasis is on contrast. She focuses on room interiors capturing the light from a window or open door.  (112x112 cms., Digital baryta print on Dibond, Ed 3 @ 4,800 euro). Until 21st June. www.ronmandos.nl 
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Three new jewelry makers are showing at RA GallerySophie Hanagarth makes new jewelry design retro. Way retro. Like the Bronze Age. At that time, objects where made from available metals and made for utilitarian purposes. She honors those intentions in some strange and weird ways like the series of "false teeth," that are all metal and set in a metal mouth. She also uses metal chains with metal objects attached. (rings @ 222 euro; bracelet @ 888 euro)...Rebekah Frank continues the metal theme with conceptual and minimal forms that are necklaces. The forms are rectangular or "oval." The latter pieces are about two meters long; however, half is a chain and half wire and is hinged to fit over the shoulders. (487 euro to 1,460 euro)...Nils Hint makes everyday objects like keys, spoons, padlocks, etc and flattens them and attaches a chain. Result:  Humorous! (Brooches @ 340 euro; necklaces @ 950 euro). Until Until __?___. https://bit.ly/2NpE3Io 
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 A solo show with the works of Iztok Klancar (Slovenia), at Ten Haaf Projects (Laurierstraat 248) features both his photography and video work. The imagery is a mixed bag ranging from a pussy-cat to human forms. As to the latter, he captures the imagery naturally, no posing. The work is in color. (33x49cms., Pigment ink jet print, Ed. 10 @ 650 euro; 33x20cms., pigment inkjet print, Ed 3 @ 900 euro). Until 21st June. http://www.tenhaafprojects.com/
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Eduard Planting Gallery (1e Bloemdwarsstrat 2) current show is titled "Reflecting Identities, by "Dindi" ( D. van der Hoek). The photographic work is unusual and some may not be attracted to it because of the extremes in the style. But it is certainly captivating. It is all figurative and features females. Call it surreal, in a sense; and there is a sense of abstraction in her use of parallelism. And there are more surprises. Lots more...even touches of humor. (130x78 cms., Ed. 7 @ 4,350 euro; 170x100 cms., C-print on dibond in Plexiglas Ed 7 @ 4,950 euro) Until 21st June,. www.eduardplanting.com 
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WANROOIJ GALLERY (Stadhouderskade 41) featured their second Amsterdam' exhibition with the work of Koh Sand Woo (S. Korean). 3D suggest that should you attend, bring you sunglasses. The intense colors used by this artist may overcome you. The work is an explosion of color. What you might expect from a 19th century Impressionist doing an acid trip. The artist focuses on women. In fact, the show title is "Decoding Women."  The women's faces, appear di-positive. That is, their faces are a dark gray or blue. However, each is surrounded by a complete color spectrum and you forget the woman and concentrate on what frames the image. (38x30.5 cms., photo collage on paper @ 2,500 euro; 101.5x101.5 cms., Lambda print in high gloss, Ed 5 @ 5,250 euro).

...And at no extra cost, there are several other artists showing at the gallery's ground floor space. Joseph Klibansky (S. Africa) does very busy and colorful cityscape's...Luc Dratway (Bel) is a photo realist that shoots banal subject matter that visually explodes before your eyes....Vincent Poole (USA) creates unusual "figurative" images using photo collage...Christian Voight (Gem) does wide angle panoramic photographs.They are amazing. Until __?__. www.wanrooijgallery.com 
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Retro is now! Retro is "in." Retro is cool! Retro never went out of style. The Sauerkids (aka Taco Sipma and Mark Moget) are back at KochxBos (1e Anjeliersdwarsstraat 36) with their humor, jokes and captivating painting/collages. 3D classifies their style is POP/CON (POP School Contemporary). They take magazine covers---some 60 years old or more---posters, etc and embellishes them with chaotic brush strokes and paint patterns plus the occasional paint glob. As to the humor, well a trip-tych features one word on each work super-imposed over the imagery of a pastoral mountain and valley vista with "Anywhere...But...Here." Hmmm. 3D can think of worse places...like Detroit or LA. (A5 paint/collage @ 300 euro; 70x50 cm., paint/collage @ 800 euro) Until 7th June. www.kochxbos.com 
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Roos Theuws is at SLEWE (Kerkstraat 105) with both video and installations and photo work as ink jet prints. All the work, with the exception of two pieces, are in b/w. In fact, make that glorious b/w. The sharpness and contrast of the imagery is almost phenomenal. The b/w work concentrates on optical instruments like telescopes and microscopes. Capturing their intricacies of angles. One optical piece is featured more than once and each presentations is another study in contrast. Two video installations are in color with the American state of Utah as the subject matter. And there is sound. (69x114 cms., Glued on Dibond, Ed 5 @ 4,500 euro; 155x117 cms., glued dibond w/ frame and UV protective Plexiglas Ed 5 @ 7,500 euro)  Until 17th May. www.slewe.nl
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Galerie Clement (Prinsengracht 843) presents the work of Marianne Roodenburg who does geometric abstract paintings and drawings which focus of several perspectives in one composition. and she is a colorist. Each work is an experience in perceiving colors in a new context and as to how they relate to each other. (18x18 cms., dr. @ 400 euro; 60x60 cms., oil @ 1,320 euro; 100x100 cms., oil @ 2,220 euro)...Showing with her is Piet Warffemius who is a conceptual painter that keeps things simple; both with his use of symbols and composition. The colors, too, are subdued. Perhaps the imagery could be described as tree branches or flower stems, but it's not really important. Also he makes steel sculpture work. Again, simple forms which emulate the symbols in his paintings. (110x120 cms., @ 3,900 euro; steel objects @ 850 to 950 euro) Until7thJune. https://bit.ly/2J3VcnE 
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Lily & Maria combine their talents for an exhibition at Galerie Fons Welters (Bloemstraat  140). Lily van der Stokkerand Maria Roosen  work is described, in the  press release, as, "Girlish pastels, sensual pink and fleshy colors; round, bulging, flowing, soft shapes...they share a certain power of seduction." All this is "framed" as an installation. If you like conceptual, sometimes minimal, and attention-getting work you will be pleased with the display of art glass. It reflects both American Carnival' Glass and Venetian. Sometimes whimsical and often intricate with a few "self-portraits" included. There is also fabric and embroidery work on display...And this is something you missed at the gallery. On a weekend in April, Berend Strik had an happening at the space. He even baked an apple pie for his friends. He invited a couple of artist to participate; musicians, too. There were several hourly program of talks and music. The space was "converted" into an artist's atelier. Cool! Until 31st May. www.fonswelters.nl 
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Two new jewelry artists show at Galerie Rob Koudijs (Elandsgracht 12). Beppe Kessler is both a painter and jewelry designer. One painting hangs, but this is primarily about the jewelry. She has her own iconic style  and under the title "Stones and Notes." She clusters artificial "stones" (recycled LPs and CDs); makes necklaces with hearts and brooches which come in a variety of shapes and imagery. (200, 1,200, 1,450, 1,950 euros) THREE RED DOTS....Showing with her is Francis Willemstijn who works with silver, wood, crystals, beads, etc. But what's more important is how she uses the material and, in a word, brilliantly! There is a contemporary streamed-line style to an almost organic feel to the creations. You just got to see it if you especially like elaborately designed jewelry. (2,400, 3,400 and 6,000 euro) Until 31st May. https://bit.ly/2LtDmQm 
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Well, here is a short comment about an excellent photographic overview by current photographers. It was presented bySEELEVEL which is a pop-up gallery. Moving from location to location. This show featured 12 photographers workings in nearly as many different styles. Several stood-out. But, alas, it was a three day affair. Pity! http://carolineobreen.com/ 
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LiFE (Lauriergracht 94) shows Jeremy Hougton (UK) who oil paints with both vibrant and assertive colors; and on the other side of the coin, he is a color minimalist. A series of watercolors uses contrast between blue and white to create the form. Simple and pleasing. One oil emulates the W/C technique and stands-out. (19x19 cms., oil on canvas @ 900 euro; 30x25 cms., w/c on paper @ 1,800 euro; 81x52 cms., oilon canvas @ 6,000 euro).

Also, a vitrine of costume jewelry by Nikk Couppee is fun to experience. She presents a world of attractive and kitschy necklaces, earrings and brooches. (80-250 euro). Until 14th June. https://bit.ly/2PYj9kv 
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It is really a "Full House"---as the show's title emphasizes---at BMB (Kerkstraat 129) with a total of 15 artists on exhibition. Nearly all present their idea and interpretation of what is figurative art with drawings, paintings, sculpture pieces...you name it..they got it. Nothing stands out because everything stands out. There are very good examples of ceramic and glass work, too. A series of glass vases (about 10-15 cms high @ 65 euro) are nicely displayed each with a very small bouquet of flowers. the price range is attractive to all pocket books: 65, 125, 320, 500, 750, 1,400, and two works at 2,750 and 3,250 euro. Until 28th June. www.galeriebmb.nl 
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C&H (2e Kostverlorenkade 50) is exhibiting Astrid Nobel (Iceland/USA). Nobel does unusual work. 3D should qualify that. Sometimes it is the presentation of the work that is most unusual. Three pieces that could be waves or wood grain paintings are embellished with non-traditional framing." Another piece that stands out is a non-frame frame. The work is basically b/w with shades of gray. In another gallery, there is a group show of five artists' works in various styles an technique. (27x56 cms., pencil on paper @ 1,000 euro; 110x142 cms., Indian ink on wood @ 3,700 euro; 300x300x105 cms., wood sculpture @12,500 euro) Ujntil 28th June. www.ch-artspace.com 
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Annamieke Alberts is at Galerie Roger Katwijk (Lange Leidsedwasstraat 198) and brings something new, in style, to the representational. The works featuring architectural imagery is almost irrelevant to each works linear abstraction of reality. Perspective is another of her interest and she achieves it in several different ways by using unexpected color combinations. Nice work! (80x100 cms., oil on canvas @ 2,900 euro; 100x120 cms., oil on canvas @ 3,600 euro; 100x200 cm.sm oil on canvas @ 5,600 euro) Until 31st May www.galerierogerkatwijk.nl 
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Percipi (N.B. new address: Rozenstraat 227) has a new and bigger space. The first show, at the location, is for Britt Dorenbosch. She paints with oils and is a member of the Pop/Com School (Contemporary Pop Art). Her technique is as simple as that of Andy Warhol's soup cans series. Strong and assertive colors that emphasize simple forms: a hammer, a milk carton, toys, etc. (115x90 oil on canvas @ 1,500 euro; 150x210 cms., oil on canvas @ 2,350 euro). Until 15th June. https://bit.ly/2xrBKhW 
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Back once again, at Galerie Jaski, the LA photographer Jill Greenberg. The show's title is "Monkey Portraits,"  however you will see only five of those and the other 10 hanging pieces are of children. But each is a portrait. As to the children, none are smiling and, in fact, they are either crying or have wet cheeks from a recent cry. The portraits are poignant. The details meticulous. The monkeys seem to be ignoring all the fuss except the one that looks pained by the ordeal. (126x105 c.s, Archival pigment print Ed. 10 @ 8,500 euro; 126x105 Archival pigment print Ed 2 @ 13,500 euro) Until 25th May. www.jaski.nl
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At Galerie Gabriel Rolt (Elandsgracht 34) is the conceptual sculpture and photo work of Athanasios Argianas (Greece) that, according to the press release, makes work that "exists-between media: Objects may encode a piece of music, a song may produce physical structures, and structures in turn create platforms for events and performances." What you see are linear forms sculpture pieces some with lots of right angles or on a tripod. Objects dangle from their arms. One has three sawed cow legs in metal with a silver plate. Huh? Well, go see! Two photos continue both the conceptual and minimal aspects of the artist' style. Until 24thMay. www.gabrielrolt.com 
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Xavier Toubes is at Galerie De Witte Voet (Kerkstraat 135) with very colorfull ceramic work. The shapes are free form with abstract angles. Some are even utilitarian and can be used as a vase. There is a wall hanging which is delightfully whimsical and bizarre, all in one. Another two pieces look like serving platters or frames for a mirror but standout as individual objects. The prices range is from 500 to 5,000 euro. Until 12th July. www.galeriedewittevoet.nl 

 ...And you just missed...Vincent McGourty (UK/NL) is showing his ceramic work at Galerie De Witte Voet. The press release is rather provocatively phrased; it quotes John Poerger: "Shit is an unmistakable reminder of our daily duality, of our soiled nature and our will to glory." McGourty has been showing at the gallery since 1999. Well, there is nothing shitty about his work; nor for that matter vulgar. His ceramic work appears to be a free form organic composition---perhaps that is its relationship to the art of defecation. Sometimes there is a hint of the representational though often indescribable. His charcoal drawings are also conceptual as well as linear. Chaotic compositions on the edge of reality. (950, 1,00, 1,650 and 2,500 euro) Until 1st June. www.galeriedewittevoet.nl
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Alex Harsley hangs photographic work he took back in the 60s and early 70s: The Comeback of Muhammad Ali, at TORCH GALLERY (Lauriergrcht 94).  And, as the title implies, it is a show all about Ali, one of 3D's heros; not to mention one of the top two or three boxers of the 20th century. Harsley approach to Ali is different from most other photographers that have used him, as a subject, because he is also black (he was also the first in the black community who was able to process his own color photographic work). The most unique feature of this show is that the photos are show an intimate side of the man: Being taped before a fighting match; chopping wood in training camp; making notes; relating to friends. If you like Ali, don't miss this show...ooops, you have. It closed on 10th May. Oh, so sorry! (53x63 cms., digital achieve print and frame @ 800 euro) www.torchgallery.com 
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At Gerhad Hofland (Bilderdijkstraat 165) is the paintings of Michael Kirkham. He paints contemporary erotic art, both male and female. The are sometimes featured individually or together. That's the imagery. As to the artist technique it reflects several styles but basically all combined makes for something unique. He is a figurative representationalist with a very good sense for light. And, in a few works, he is a colorist. A naked man seems to glow as if he was radioactive. Then there is the story board-like series of 16 drawings titled, "Billy." The composition/imagery range from the provocative to dramatic scenes in Billy's life. (30x20 cms., graphite on paper, drawing, 16xs @ 12,000 euro; 30x40cms.,oil on canvas @ 4,000 euro; 200x230 cms., oil on canvas @ 24,000 euro) Until __?__ www.gerhardhofland.com 
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Karel Buskes is back at Galerie Mokum (OZ Voorburgwal 334) with his cows...and a few landscapes. He is a contemporary impressionist but his subject matter has little in common with the 19th century masters. But it is easy to overlook the figurative element---the cows---because of the colors and technique. He adds subtle and colorful nuances to the standard b/w Dutch cow. To say that they come-alive is not an understatement. Don't miss the landscapes. (950, 2,200, 4,500, 6,500, 8,500 euro) FIVE RED DOTS at opening. Until 25th May. www.galeriemokum.com 
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FROZEN  FOUNTAIN (Prinsengracht 645) has opened its "Post Milan" show. For art lovers the most interesting aspects are the works of Sigrid Calon who hangs risoprints. There are 30 examples on display. The style is geometric abstraction and reminiscent of both Pop Art and Op Art of the 60s. (36x46 cms., numbered and signed @ 40 euro)...Studio JOB for NLXL---the luxury website---show seven wall paper designs with a papered nine meter long wall; 18 separate designs. Hang them all together or cover a room with one design. It's your show! (50x900 cms., @ 199 euro). P.S. FF has gone bazaar. That is, there is something interesting and different for every taste and pocket book; From intricate children's toys---adults can play with them as well---to biological perfect "designer"  chocolate. www.frozenfountain.nl 
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GATO is showing at Angle Gallery (Weteringschans 207) with the voice of nature. That is, his themes is to emulate nature by reproducing tree branches and bushes with their leaves. However, you will probably overlook the representational factor because each piece has an abstract feel. (70x80 cms., black gesso on paper @ 1,600 euro; 130x180 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 3,000 euro; 190x250 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 4,500 euro). Until __?__. www.anglegallery.nl 
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Galerie Pien Rademakers (N.B. This show is at their old address: Prinsengracht 570) is showing Adi Da Samraj (1939-2008). He works with both b/w and color photography and it is difficult to say which technique you will prefer. Both have drama and lots of tension. He concentrates on the female form---there are a few flowers, too. But he snaps the photos under water. They, thus, have a surreal look and some appear to be double exposures. The colored work jumps out and nearly blinds you with intencity of the color. (120x180 cms., 6,500-7,500 euro; 190x100 cms., @ 11,000-15,000 euro). Until __?__. www.galeriepienrademakers.nl 
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M. van Zomeren (Hazenstraat 20) has a group show of nine artists. The only thing they seem to have in common is that their approach to art is from a conceptual point of view. Marlie Mul does blobs. Really! Black monochromatic forms made of sand, stones and resin. They lay unobtrusively on the floor....Julian Andeweg works with resin, fiber, flip-flop auto paint plus pastel/chalk to create linear wave-like wall sculptures. FOUR RED DOTS at opening. Until 28th June. 
***

Well, the 2013-2014 Amsterdam Art season is quickly drawing to a close...It wasn't the year we had hoped it to be as far as sales go, but it was rewarding aesthetically...and that ain't bad. And there is still time to get on your bike, roller skates or to take the car and check out what is going on while it is still happening. Will this be the last 3D List of the season? Hey, don't know. Let's see what takes place in the few short weeks that remain...or it's see you in September when the3D List will begin its 10th year. 

Photo: a Sigrid Calon risoprint

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