Going back in time: Daniel Gould’s 3D List, Art in Amsterdam #74

And the race is on! The prize is a work of art. You may have to pay for it, but it will last you a lifetime...And that ain't bad. September has been busy and this newsletter is late. So you may have to hurry since some of the reviewed shows will close on the 6th of October. The bads news is a few galleries have closed their doors; and the good news is that prices on art are at the lowest level seen in years. Good for the buyer; bad for the gallery and artist. Take advantage of the situation while you can...The Dutch economy will and must improve one of these years...But, hey, that's another story.
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INDEX:

BITS & PIECES: 

MUSEUM REVIEWS: Jewish Historical Museum

                                      Prince Claus Fund Galley

                                      SMBA

                                      Stadsarchief Amsterdam 

WHAT YOU MISSED LAST WEEK

BITS & PIECES:

The bad news first...NASA has closed. NASA? Well, it existed in this form for about a year. Previously is was called Smart Project Space. A year ago, because of subsidy cuts to cultural organizations, it merged with Nederland Institute for Video Art (nee: Monte Video). According to newspaper article the closure was because mismanagement. According to an inside source, Thomas Peutz (president and artistic director) along with his major assistant, his partner, paid themselves more than generous salaries and made international trips at NASA's expense; the stichting has a debt of 100,000 euro. 
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At WGKUNST, during the Herfstvakantie, there will be offered a "creative workshop" for children from 6 to 12 years old. It is to be inspired by the exhibition, now hanging, Vogeltjesboom,"  by Harrie Geelen. Each day, from the 21st to the 25th of October, there will be a different program and the hours will be 11:00 to `6:00. The cost is 20 euro each day. More info and/or RSVP at: wgkunst@wgkunst.nl 
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Josine Bokhoven, of the gallery, by the same name, is closing the doors of her Prinsengracht location after a run of several years. But it is only semi-retirement. She will be available as a free lance curator and as an advisor to artist. You can contact her at: galerie.josinebokhoven@hetnet.nl 
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John Singer Sargent said, "A portrait is a painting with something wrong with the mouth." Hmmmm. Me thinka I gotta chewing on that.
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Seen printed on a T-shirt: "If it's too loud you're too old," in fluorescent yellow.
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The International Space Station (400 km above the earth)  has a telephone number with a Houston area code. just thought you would like to know. "Call home, ET!" 
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Here is a quote from an article titled "When parents need nurturing,"  by Jane E. Brody (www.iht.com, 18th Sept): "Growing old is not for sissies."  Hmmm...There is truth in those words.
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3D picked up a flyer at the Barbara Seiler booth at the AmsterdamDrawing Fair.It was concerned with Book of Determination, by Lin de Mol. (ISBN 978-94-91182-20-4, 28,50 euro). It quoted the author as saying: "Do stones think?" "Can an octopus have a secret sex life?"  "And what physical metamorphosis really takes place inside of us when we fall in love?" Hey, these are ALL valid metaphysical questions. The book includes 17 drawings plus stories. 
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STORM, the floating gallery, is now at Swammerdamstraat 44-54. It is a large space and feature, in addition to art, an indoor "flea market." Through August they featured "a hippy market full of little treasures, strange gifts and killer outfits."  There are food merchants---the couscous salad was great with a potato pancake @ 4 euro. A very good selection of craft items are available at attractive prices. You can get on their mailing list by emailing: martine@stormspace.nnl , https://bit.ly/2pcNwbo 
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MUSEUM REVIEW: Jewish Historical MuseumDan Zollmann

Dan Zollmann (Belgium) takes us to the closed world of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews of Antwerp. We see them in their black hats, "sideburns," beards and distinctive clothing. He captures the Hasidim Jews in their homes, study centers and into "buildings whose doors are generally closed to outsiders."  Zollmann is a child of Russian/Hungarian Hasidicrabbies. He grew up in Antwerp. He also takes us to carnivals; he captures a man dressed in black against a colorful wall of graffiti; a grocery store; an antiquarian bookshop; at prayer; family parties and party parties. 

There is also a display of clothing likes hats and other accessories. We learn that the way in which the hats are creased reflect a particular meaning. "Most Hasidic dynasties have their own distinctive types of hats.The hats vary; height and shape, the place of the bowl and the width of the brim." Seven varieties are displayed and described. Until 2nd January, 2014. www.jhm.nl 
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The Prince Claus Fund Gallery (Herengracht 603) presents Zanele Muholi (South Africa) with her portrait photographs. There are 104 photos with a few missing spots.The missing photos are in honor of those who have since died. She is provocative in that ALL the photos are of gays and lesbians. None are smiling---not even the beauty queen winners---because none are happy with their circumstances in homophobic South Africa. What also makes each photo special is the background which is as varied as the people pictured. 3D asked how she got their permission to photograph. She answered that "they are my friends or people in the movement...It was not a problem." On a wall on an upper floor is a series of quotes from 22 rape victims. "Here in South Africa you send women to jail for stealing a loaf of bread to feed her baby, but men who rape women, who murder lesbians, who beat their wives, they walk the street as free men." This one could not be more pathetic: "I was raped by my cousin. I couldn't talk about it. Later, that cousin come and told me that he was HIV positive, and that he raped me on purpose." And how about this one, "The lowest point same when I was raped and my church believed that God was punishing me because I wasn't willing to change." Until 22nd November. www.princeclausfund.org 
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Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam (Rozenstraat 959) prove once again that the joy of visiting SMBA is that you never know what you will see. Surprise, surprises and even more so since the work is very often conceptual; from the mind of the artist(s). In this show, the artist Antonis Pittas has attacked the floor of the exhibition space. Literally. HE has "liberated" sections of the top wood layer and raised it like a lean-to. The gallery floor space is one big canvas with a geometric/abstract  composition. A film by Jan Dibbetts is special. The opening scene is monochromatic with plow-like furrows breaking the imagery into sections. It turns out that we are looking a an ocean beach. When the tide begins to come in it reconfigures the scene dramatically. Attached to the ceiling of the space is a rail that circumvents the room. A black drape---about 11 meters long---is redirected from time-to-time along the rail. An installation at the entrance hall could be a condensed interpretation of an artist's atelier. Jelle Bouwhuis, the director, said "This is not an opening, but a beginning." Every three weeks something new will enter the picture. Until 17th November. www.smba.nl 
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Stadsarchief Amsterdam: Fotostudio Merkelbach (1913-1969)

From time-to-time, 3D sees an exhibition that he can't wait to review. Such was the case at Stadsarchief Amsterdam (Vijzelstraat 32) which chronicles the portrait photo work done by FOTOSTUDIO MERKELBACH. Before saying another word, left me advise you to read the linear notes on the walls----in both Dutch and English. They say much about Jacob Merkelbach's (1877-1942) style, clients, how he dealt with presenting fashion with fashion models when it was not considered presentable for a woman to be one...And more. 

He opened his studio, with 300 square meters of space, atop the Hirsch Building, a hundred years ago. It would continue after his death under the direction of one of his daughters' husbands and not close until 1969. 

The photos on display are both originals or newly produced ones from the original glass plates. His goal was to "distinguished himself from the cheap, ordinary studios. Well-to-do individuals---as well as actors, dancers, authors, scientist and other prominent figures---headed to the Leidseplain to pose...From the 1930s movie stills were done." 

Nearly all works are in b/w which ranges from cute to dramatic, to sentimental and those that are just natural. They convey all the emotions like romantic to even the "religious"---think introspective and formal. No two poses are quite the same. One nude could be a shot for a men's girlie magazine from the 50s. Wartime photos feature German soldiers; and after liberation those of the Allied soldiers.

His large over-sized camera---by today's standards---is on display and still looks like a technological marvel. 

A small and darkened viewing area, with benches, has been erected. There are seven back lit screens showing slides. There are several series: 21 smokers, both male and female; babies, young kids holding a ball; people with dogs and dogs with people; mother and child; husband and wife and looking more like lovers, et al. 

He also was doing fashion photography before their was Dutch fashion photography: "Women's magazines preferred illustrations or obtained their photos from abroad." And there is a personal element in his fashion photography in that he needed to use his daughters as models because modeling was considered unacceptable for a young woman. 

His photos of actors/actresses range from the poignant to the dramatic; some with humor. There are three video screens showing film clips.  One of an actress that mimes for the camera with a multitude of expressions and all in a matter of a few minutes. Delightful! 

It's not often that 3D says you will want to see this show more than once, but take my word for it would will want to see this show more than once. Until January 5th, 2014.

More info: https://bit.ly/2D0Ql97         https://bit.ly/1WeP2EC 
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WHAT YOU MISSED LAST WEEK:

Harrie Geelen is at WGKUNST (M. van Bouwdijk Bastiaansestraat 28) with his "birds in the tree." Actually, that's only part of the story. He is hanging several works. That's a lot! But it is justified because it shows the diversity of his work. Basically, it ranges from landscapes/cityscape's to the layout art for children's books to live model sketches to a series of  30 "bird in a tree" paintings. All are done in a colorful naive style. Good Sinter Klaus or Christmas gifts for a child. Then there are the surprises like the two wooden "puppets" of one+ meter. And the chess set. Hey, it is a masterpiece. It is unlike any chess set you have seen. The playing pieces looked as if they have been modeled after characters of Alice in Wonderland. Oops, forgot to check the price list. Until 10th November. www.wgkunst.nl 
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Niek Hendrix shows at Galerie Roger Katwijk (Lange Leidsedwarstraat 198) an is an artist of many styles several of which on on display. They range from the purely monochromatic linear abstracts to realistic-like contemporary impressionism to monochromatic representationalism. What that Well, he paints a common 17thcentury genre scene but all in black with only a few hints of gray. Really cool! And there is more...A young artist who has a foot in every door and shows competency in dealing with each,. Good show. Three weeks after the opening someone told me his show was nearly sold out. (23x23 cms., oil on canvas @ 700 euro; 40x30 cms.,oil on canvas or panel @ 1,100 euro; 171x15 cms  oil on vanvas o panel @ 2,000 euro; 100x112 cms., oil on canvas or panel @ 3,200 euro.)...Also showing is Tijl Orlando Frijns who does deconstruction sculptor pieces. Linear in concept and monumental in style. Most works are b/w/ (159x32x41 cms., @ 1,500 euro.)
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ART AFFAIRS (Veemkade 354) features a group show of 13 gallery artists. The show opened on Friday, the 13th. Hmmmm.Hey, you gotta live dangerously! The artists range from Armando, Sjoerd Buisman, Ad Deeker, Jan Schoonhoven and Herman de Vries,  stars of yesteryear to contemporary master like David Nash, who works in charcoal with amazing nuances that make a sample egg-shaped drawing project from the paper like Humpty-Dumpty falling from the wall. Lillian Cooper shows four examples of her work. One is a large (113x225 cms) drawing in east-Indian ink. It is a conceptual line drawing that is striking for both its composition and chaotic lines that seem to come together effortlessly. Two other works have similar linear aspects with addition and substractions. The latter is in the fact that she has cut-out parts of the drawing. The piece is "framed"  with two sheets of Plexiglas. the walls of the gallery are white but these through aspect adds nuances; hung on a wall painted with color the work would be even more dramatic. (Prices range from1,500 to 10,000 euro.) Until 18th October. www.artaffairs.net
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Koen Delaere is at PS (Madurastraat 72) with abstract/expressionistic mixed media work with a lotta of nuances and color. His technique is to do a large laser print of a piece of fabric, say, print and then paint. The effect is mesmerising to the point of dizziness. Four smaller works are pure paint and a U-V print---almost looks like airbrush---but the expressionism is both muted and strong at the same time: colors vs expressionism (brush strokes.) 40x30 cms., oil, U-V print on canvas @ 2,100 euro; 110x190 cms., oil, enamel, acrylic, U-V print on canvas @ 7,500 euro. Until 13th October. www.psprojectspace.nl
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ARTTRA shows Floor van Keulen and in viewing his work there is a sense of nostalgia. The style is retro to the point of emulating the German geometric abstract movement of the 20s and 30s. The artist hangs a series of ink drawings that while not derivative of Kandinsky does pay homage to his style, symbols and technique. Two large works on paper done in watercolor, charcoal and the other in gouache are both original in their design. (10.5x15 cms., ink on paper @ 250 euro; 33.5x24 cms., w/c on paper @ 550 euro; 156x220 gouache on paper @ 1,950 euro.) Until _?__. 

Also, ARTTRA introduced a three day show at Arti et Amicitiae. 3D recently reviewed  a recent show of Jac Bisschops latest paintings. But there was a surprise in this exhibition and that was three works of pastel chalk on paper. Amazing color abstraction.  www.arttra.nl 
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Qlick Editions (Gerard Doustraat 134) has a group show of photographers. There is a very nice variety of styles and all in color including one work that looks almost b/w. as to subject matter and imagery it is truly eclectic; a real mixed media bag. The gallery's raison d'etre is to ease the way for  young collectors into collecting. they do editions and marketing them at reasonable prices. (60x40 cms., Ed 30 @ 420 euro; ; 60x40 cms., Ed 25 @ 470 euro 60x40 cms., Ed 15 @ 800 euro) Until 19th October. www.QlickEditions.com 
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Next door is a "new" gallery (new to 3D. They have been hanging for four years) called Kunstverein (Gerard Doustraat 132). "Gallery" may not be the correct term, but "museum" doesn't seem to fit either. That is because nothing is For Sale. They specialize in presented print work to typography: magazine, newspapers, advertising, et al). The present exhibition features the works of Thomas Bewick (1753-1828) an engraver and natural history author with several cliches used in books for chapter endings, etc. Others featured are contemporary. Until 19th October. www.kunstverein.nl 
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At Galerie Fons Welters (Bloemstraat 140) two artists, Frederique Pisuisee and Evita Vasiljeva, create and installation with video, sculpture pieces and whatnot. But in a sense it only looks like an installation. Pisuisse does the video and Vasiljeva adds conceptual sculpture work. Everything is offered for sale individually...In the back space is the first solo exhibition for Olga Balema. She is a conceptual sculpture and there are many aspects to her work. The meal pieces are simple and pure but with dramatic elements. then there are the "arms & gloves."  And only the arms and gloves. some extend three plus meters and are hanging from the ceiling or curled on the floor. Unfortunately, 3D mislaid his notes so I am describing from memory and memory along. Until 12th October. www.fonswelters.nl 
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Well, just when you think you have seen everything in the video art world along comes Miloushak Bokma with yet another extension of the art in both style and technique. The artist, showing at R&R: Reuten Galerie (Prinsengracht 510), has made a construction consisting of three parts measuring 160x200.14 cms that look like a printer's typeface drawing and hinged them together. In the sectioned spaces the are 27 separate images represented with video or photographs; indeed, seven are videos screens. And that's not all...but, hey, go check it out for yourself. Also hanging are photographs taken from the installation. (160xx200x14 cms., triptych, photography and video @ 24,000 euro.).

Showing too is Andrea Radia's work which is all in b/w and very little gray. The featured work is titled, "Wallpaper Acrylic 4 rolls" (450x138 cms each section)  available at two rolls (450x276 cms) @ 12,000 euro. Each roll consists of39 b/w paintings. A monumental work when all four rolls are hung together, for sure. The subject matter is the city with its people---some feature one or 20 figures---cars, subways, escalators, etc. Smaller work by the same artist is also available @ 1,200 euro. Until 27th October https://www.reutengalerie.com/ 
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Takashi Murakami (Japan) is a very original print maker in both a simple and traditional sense. On view, at Jaski Art Gallery (Nieuwe Spiegelstrat 29) is a collection of lithographs. There are three series represented. A series of 12 are all different while at the same time being all the same. Is that double-Dutch? What he does is took take several cliches and---some looking like a daisy with multi petals---and color everyone differently; then arrange them in chaotic and different ways. Actually, anyone reproduced as a roll of wallpaper would be a great addition to one wall of a young child's room. More than one wall would make you dizzy. Three lithos have the same identical design but each with its own unique coloring. Another series illustrates an image looking like a Mickey Mouse, but with lots of humor plus geometric forms mixed with the representational. Fun! Colorful with an unusual composition. (74x53 cms., litho Ed 300 @ 2,500 euro; 68x68 cms., litho, Ed. 300 @ 3,000 euro; 64x100 cms., litho Ed. 300 @ 4,500 euro.)

Also on view is the work of Les Deux Garcons,  a duo. They have made taxidermy into an art. They have now had several exhibition at the gallery and with each show there are surprises. There are several examples of small size figurines much akin to 18th and 19th century porcelain statues. These come with a collage element which is the head of a parakeet or, as in a Degas-like dancing lady which has a furry head of a rodent-like animal. (Taxidermy/mixed media @ 3,500, 4,500 and 7,500 euro.)  Until 13th October. www.jaski.nl
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At Reflex (Weteringschans 79)  Harland Miller is back with yet another show featuring  his iconic paintings and works on paper. He uses as inspiration Penguin Pocketbook covers. He reproduces them in a stylized and sketchy way. The colors vary from colorful to those heavy with black. His captions are pithy: "Infinity: Well that's all well and good as far as it goes,"  or "There's more to life than catch phrases...But not a lot,"  or "Confessions of a crap artist."  A 124 page catalog is available at 60 euro. No price list. Until __?___. https://reflexamsterdam.com/
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Aart Wevers presents at Witzenhausen GALLERY (Hazenstraat 60) a series of photographs based, principally, on the circle with infinite color nuances. he views the circle from several perspectives. Some look like bubbles and others like cue balls. The colors range from the subdued to the bright and colorful. Several standout. (30x40 cms to 40x50 cms. Ed. 5 and all at $600 [about 440+ euro]) Until 29th Sept. https://bit.ly/2zCqZwM 
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At the Istituto Italiano de Cultura are the oils of Valerio Cugia (NL/Italy), He does both landscapes and figurative paintings. his style reflects that of Edward Hopper and Piet Mondrian naturalistic period (1901 to 1910). As to the former, his inspiration can be seen in both colors---and especially the light---and in their composition. But he is influenced and pays homage to the masters and is in noway derivative. (55x35 cms @ 1,500 euro; 80x55 cms., @ 2,400 euro; 65x125 cms., @ 3,200 euro.)  Until 13th October. https://bit.ly/2pbpi1j 
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Roger Hiorns is at Annet Gelink Gallery (Laurierstraat 187) with what 3D describes as "organic" sculpture work. Several stainless steel containers are arranged in rather a monumental construction. What makes them "organic" is that each is spewing out soap suds. Cool! There are also ceramic vessels doing the same thing. (20,000 to 30,000 English Pounds.) Until 5th October. https://bit.ly/2u9Hxa3 
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Galerie Paul Andriesse (N.B. Leliegracht 47) shows the water colors of Jan van de Pavert. The style is interesting in that it reflects the contemporary and there are a few that make illusions to Michelangelo's Renaissance style. One work is a sepia and we see the 17th century Dutch Militia painting. Good work! (55x35 cms., w/c on paper @ 2,100 euro; 100x70 w/c on paper @ 3,900 euro; 70x70x70 cms., steel @ 11,500 euro.) Until 12th October. www.paulandriesse.nl 
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Drawing is the art of illusion! Sometimes it is an illusion of reality and sometimes and illusion of what could be real. Levi van Veluw is at Ron Mandos (Prinsengracht 282) with drawings in black. Not b/w but black with sometimes  a nuance of gray. Somehow he captures the influence of light. The subject matter is not of importance, cubes and balls. But how his compositions factor in these two basic forms is what amazes and projects. And speaking of projecting, don't miss the installation in a small gallery room. 3D nearly missed it. I walked in and saw nothing. As I walked out a gallery person said "Go back!" I did; and I am glad I did. Talk about illusions, this one is mesmerizing. 3 RED DOTS at opening. (51x73 charcoal on paper @ 4,800 euro; 205x120 charcoal on paper @ 14,000 euro.) Until 5th October. www.ronmandos.nl 
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"Galerie bart" (Elandsgracht 16) has two artists exhibiting. Erik de Bree has a sense of humor and it comes across in aces with his iconic style. You could call it representational/figurative but there is always a twist that males each work distinctive. Two works are huge.  "Kong," as in "King,"stands 220 cms high. (12 cms high, bronze Ed. 8 @ 575 euro; 220 cms high, plastic, Ed 3. 28,000 euro.)

Erik Buijs is an abstract/expressionist but doesn't rely on colors to make his point. What doesn't make a point is his technique which is unusual; you could almost describe it as deconstructive. And the latter statement is right on. After he paints the canvas surface---and once it is dry---he tears off a section. A series of 12 photographs are not describe. Kid you not! " You gotta see them. ( (10x10 damaged photograph, resin, mounted on board @ 600 euro; 50x40 cms oil, ecolino on canvas @1,100; 210x180 cms., oil, chemicals on canvas @ 4,000 euro.) Until 26th October. www.galeriebart.nl 
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The last year has seen the novelty of 3D printing evolve into creditable art. You can see an excellent example at "C&H art space" (2e Kostverlorenkade 50) with the work of Mezzapelle & Deriu. You may ask yourself if it should be classified as sculpture or as an installation. Five pieces consist of 100s of 3 cms naked figures, male and female, suspended in air. In one, the figures appear to be copulating. And everything is made from a 3D printer. Another example of the technique and at center stage is a large passenger jet plane that has broken in half, in flight, by perhaps by a bomb. Debris is falling from the sky including people still strapped into their seats. It does get your attention. (20x27x10 cms., polymide, nylon, wire @ 3,350 euro; 100x140x30 cms., polymide, nylon, wire @ 10,000 euro.) Until 12th October. www.ch-artspace.com 
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Eduard Planting Gallery shows the remarkable photos of Terry O'Neill and it makes for an outstanding exhibition. Several works are outstanding and a few could be labeled portrait masterpieces. He favors the ladies, the only exception being David Bowie as Diamond Dog and Queen and Johan Cruijf, mid 70s. Two feature Audrey Hepburn and they will make your heart ache. And Diana Ross? What a dramatic take. Sharon Stone, Michelle Pfiffer, Annie McDowell---oh, what eyes---Claudia Cardinale and Bridget Bardot together on the set for "The Legend of Frenchie King" (Spain, 1971). (50x61 cms, b/w, Ed 50 @ 2,450 euro; 76x76 cms., color, Ed 50 @ 4,950 euro.)  Until 19th October. https://www.eduardplanting.com/  
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More photos to be seen at VASSIE (Langestraat 47) with the work of Annette den Ouden. Since 2001, she has concentrated her travels to the Arab region and Iran. Whether you are viewing the color work or b/w photos you will see the drama of war, coffee house, ordinary people's home interiors, etc. Hanging side-by-side is a b/w composition focusing on 12 men in a coffee/tea house and the dichotomy between that work and the one hanging next to it---a landscape of a desert regions under an unusual sky---could not be greater. (40x30 cms., Ed 10, color @ 550 incl frame and BTW; 100x72, b/w, Ed 5 @ 2,500 euro, incl frame & BTW.) Until 19th October. www.GalleryVassie.com 
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Two artists are showing at "LIFE: The Gallery" (Lauriergracht 96). Brigitt Busz makes unusual if not unique drawings/collages. The drawing part could not be more skillfully executed; and her combination if collage parts perfectly complement the composition. Generally, it is the collage element that gives the work color. Her subject matter ranges from the figurative to animals to flora to typography. (70x100 cms., mixed media @ 1,400 euro; 100x140 cms., mixed media @ 2,750 euro;.)

Harrie Blommesteijn presents both a film and installation. The installation is on an industrial level cart. Jar are filled with various objects and the cart is sitting at the center of a moat consisting of other objects ranging from a Teddy bear to what looks like the hoofs of an elk-like animal, plus a black artichoke. ((Mixed media @ 3,500 euro.)  Until __?__, www.lifeamsterdam.nl 
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Back again at TORCH (Lauriergracht 94) is the quirky, strange and iconic self-portraits is Philip Akkerman. There are 40 hanging and each is more bizarre than the other or those of previous years. Each is an example of another style, a great diversity of colors and pieces that are abstract, expressionistic, futuristic or almost realistic (neo and post neo),. (30x40 cms., pencil @ 1,100 euro; 40x43 cms., egg tempera @ 6,400 euro.)  Until 16th October. www.torchgallery.com 
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"Take 'Em By The Legs And Throw 'Em Down The Stairs," is the title of Dawn Mello's latest exhibition at Galerie Gabriel Rolt (Elandsgracht 340) There are 14 "portraits." 3D emphasizes portraits with inverted commas because know one would probably commission her do do their portrait.But, with that said, the work is strong, assertive and provocative. Thy also tend to be weird, weird and more weird. Hey, that's cool! If you are into s/m there is a series of four that are both vague and realistically provocative. (30x24 cms., oil on linen @ 8,500 euro; 102x76 cms., oil on canvas @ 11,500 euro.) Until 12th October. www.gabrielrolt.com 
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Ornis A. Gallery (Hazenstraat 11) hangs the weird, quirky sometimes with projecting color, plus a religious element, flowers and trees...Has 3D missed anything? The style is the artist' Julius Hofmann own; there is no doubt of that. (30x25 cms., collage @ 800 euro; 100x100 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 6,000 euro; 145z200 cms., acrylic on canvas @ 10,300 euro.) Until 5th October. www.ornisagallery.com 
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The Gallery CNCPT13 (Prinsengracht 266) participated with Amsterdam Design week by present the work of Joram Narbiers and Stef van der Bijl working as a duo. The light/lamp designs are unusual. They work with themes. On theme is a series of 50s and 60s high-powered industrial drills. Where you insert the drill is where they insert the light socket. The drills have been striped of their original paint and the exposed aluminium has been highly polished. The "floor" lamps have been made from what looks  like automobile motor piston to one looking like a small anti-aircraft gun. Don't miss the "Rolls Royce Desk."  It is the trunk cover of a RR and, again, the paint has been striped and the metal is highly polished. Some works have been done together and a few have been done independently.Until 22nd October. https://4sq.com/2wSkmCz  

Still show at CNCPT13 is the photography of Vincent Rijs who is a portrait photographer who works on the far edge of the genre. His photos---always ladies---feature not only the contrast in colors but also compositions. There is  a range from the simple to the dramatic. The announcement says that "The photos almost look like the work of Vermeer, Caravaggio or Rembrandt...master painters of light." 3D won't argue the implied comparison. Damn, forgot to check the price list. Until 18th October. https://4sq.com/2wSkmCz 
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Fontana & Fortuna (Lauriergracht 11) is hanging the photography of Jan Banning in both oversize editions and smaller ones.This distinction is important because the large format portraits (165x120 cms) are just that: Large. What is interesting that the smaller works are office interiors or a courtroom. Then there is the one that pays homage to Johannes Vermeer's "Women Reading A Letter." But, of course, the featured work are the large portraits which are poignant because Banning is interested in people with character and not necessarily those that are attractive. The series is titled "Down & Out In  The South"  and each one does capture the subjects aging, physical characteristics and, in one, you can count the stubble of hair on the man chin and cheeks. (70x50 cms., Ed 6 @ 3,750 euro; 165x120 cms., Ed 3 @ 8,750 euro;50x60 cms, "After Vermeer," Ed.10 @ 15,000 euro

A catalog/book titled "Comfort Women" chronicles Indonesian women who were made sexual slaves by the Japanese during WW II.There are a total of 18 women pictured and each tell their story. In both Dutch and English. (30 euro.) Until 2nd November. www.fontanafortuna.com 
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..And more photography at CIRCLE GALLERY (Kerkstraat 67) with the work of Phoebe Rudomino who is a contemporary photographer who has worked at the Pinewood Studio's "Underwater Stage"  and on Bond and Harry Potter films. She specializes in underwater photography. And within that category she uses several unusual and sometimes unique techniques but NO PhotoShop. That's is an important to note because you will find it difficult to realize that these are pure and undigitalized photos. One appears to be a chicken in parallelism but it is really a chicken floating on top of the water and the mirrored image is just that. Which is the chicken and which is its reflected image? Other photos feature imagery that looks surrealistic, but, again, it is a real scene like the chicken hearts floating in water which of course don't look like chicken hearts. It is extremely difficult to describe the indescribable. You just gotta see it! (120x87 cms. Ed 3 @ 3,200 euro). Until __?__. www.circlegallery.nl 
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"Made in Hollywood," at the TEN HAAF PROJECTS (Laurierstraat 248), is the work of Luka Kurashvili and is a rogues gallery of contemporary film stars in full-body portraits.: George Clooney, John Travolta, Kirsten Dunst in a Louis Vuitton dress, Tilda Swinton, Angelian Jolie, Charlize Theron...anyway, you get the picture. You are welcomed into the gallery with a long red carpet leading up to the back wall.There is a comic strip element to the style and technique. While they are realistic they are so in a vague sort of way. It is almost like the artist is laughing at the whole concept of film stars. (180x90 cms., oil on canvas @ 3,700 euro.) Until 26th October. www.tenhaafprojects.com 
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Gerhard Hofland Gallery (Bilderdijkstraat 165) has geometric/abstract work by Malin Persson. While her abstraction are reflective of the 60s style she has found a new way of doing it. Her landscapes are simple in composition and elaborate in technique though subtly so. (69x90 cms., diptych @ 4,500 euro; 105x140 cms., ink, acrylic an oil on canvas @ 4,500 euro.)...Yury Karchenko also does abstract but in so bizarre ways with colors that blend, clash and at times just provocative. (100x80 cms., oil on canvas @ 3,000 euro.) Until 19th October. www.GerhardHofland.com 
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Edwin Olaf is at FLATLAND GALLERY (Lijnbaansgracht 314) with several of his already classic portrait photographs. There is a nice collection of small prints measuring 22x17 cms., and in b/w priced at 15,000 euro, Ed 3. But, in the small back gallery, is an outstanding composition showing three women of a certain age---faces painted elaborately---watching a young girl of say 15 years old in a 19th century environment. A man with a boulder hat, with wine glass in hand,  balances the composition. It is in color. Price on request. Until 12th October. www.flatlandgallery.com 
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Next door at LUMEN TRAVO is the work of Kathe Burkhart (USA). Her painting style remains the same after all these years and it is best described as "poster-like" art. One, "Matennasier"  is more elaborate in composition than early work. Typography is represented with "Hopeful Basket of Rubbers and Lube Hellbent on Connecting Again." Also there is a video shot of the "Occupy Movement" that features a candlelight procession from Foley Square to the Brooklyn Bridge. (40x30 cms., drawing @ 1,600 euro; 70x90 cms. photo on dibond @ 4,000 euro; 210x140 acrylic, play money & mixed media @ 27,000euro). Until 5th October. www.lumentravo.nl 
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...And just two more doors down the canal is AKINCI with Deniz Buga who does photograhpy and one work is hanging perpendicular to the image. A slide show features advertising stills from the 60s, a picture of a F-16, a large truck, fire works, etc.A piece of plywood hangs without an decoration, no paint, no nothing, just the bare facts. It harks back to a like pieces in the Stedelijk Museum that they acquired in the late 60s. No Price list. Until 6th October. www.akinci.nl
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At the new "galerie prinscilon" (2e Laurierdwarsstraat 51) hangs the pin-hole photographs of Marlies Hulzebos. This 19th century technique keeps coming back and with reason: It creates mystery as much as imagery.She has made her own "camera" and specializes in photographing cityscape's and focuses on Paris, London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Venice. The resulting imagery borders on conceptual/representational. Each photo is in color and is vague, but it draws you into it looking for an explanation. Two large b/w portraits standout. (18.5x18.5 cms. Ed 3, incl. fr.  @ 550 euro; 90x90 cms., b/w, 1/1 @ 1,200 euro.) Until 27th October. https://bit.ly/2xlAjAO 
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RA GALLERY (Nes 120) is exhibiting the new jewelry artist Gesine Hackenberg who work is almost in the traditional sense of design. As a metal she uses inexpensive copper. A good choice since unlike gold it tarnishes over time with a greenish nuance. She recently completed her masters and had concentrated on using fruit and veggies as symbols of fertility and abundance and their connection to jewelry. The figuration is not that representational since she uses aspects of the metal to create more free form representation. (brooche @ 180-800 euro; object @ 100-265 euro; necklace @ 850-1,995 euro.)...Also, there is a mini-exhibition of ethnographic spoons created by artists and designers. This is only a sample, The rest of the show is at Galerie Lamaire (Reguliersgracht 80)..  Until 16th October. www.galerie-ra.nl
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At the other new jewelry gallery, Galerie Rob Koudijs (Elandsgracht 10) is Ruudt Peters who has spent time in China and one influence was the terracotta statues that had been buried for centuries and only recently uncovered. In this exhibition he emulates the vast number with a condenced display of 99 standing men (41 cms., high) figures. Each is "decorated" with an assortment of add-one from a simple glove or arm band to a few that have porcupine-like quills. There is something bombastic about the display. Another series consists of brooches. The technique is unusual. He uses a material that is a touch transparent and adds nuances to complement them. 9 RED DOTS at opening. (statues @ 1,500 to2,00 euro; brooches @ 3,400 euro to 3,600 euro. A catalog is available at 20 euro. Until 26th Octtober. www.galerierobkoudijs.nl 
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Carlos Granger is a sculptor that generally works in cement/ steel and wood with unusual forms being his speciality. He shows it all at Galerie Josine Bokhoven's final exhibition at Prinsengracht 154. His forms are linear geometric and the emphasis is on the linear. Another aspect of the show are his model drawings. They measure 10x10 cms., and are in ink and white Tipp-ex. the latter lends a mysterious nuance to the simple forms. (10x10 cms., drawings @ 300 euro; wood sculpture @ 1,000-5,000 euro; cement/steel @ 2,000-4,500 euro; a catalog is availabel at 15 euro.) Until __?___ https://bit.ly/2JHGNOt 
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At Galerie De Witte Voet (Kerkstraat 135) is the ceramic and photographic work of Trees De Mits. In her photography she uses PaintShop effectively. Creating beautiful imagery. Her ceramic work could be a display of artificial organs---human and animal. For the most part all are in black; she uses the organ shapes both conceptually and symbolically. (220 to 1,250 euro.) www.galeriedewittevoet.nl 
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..And a few doors down at BMB (Kerkstraat 129) is an exhibition for Joachim Nieuwhof who paints huge canvases in a mix of styles: impressionism, figurative, abstract, you name it and all in one work. Some are with colors and one is heavy with white paint nuances. The imagery is sometime bizarre. A large installation work is in shades of infinite gray and stands about 3.5 meters high and about 3x3 meters in width and depth. At the top of the pile of "garbage bags" is a wicker chair with what looks like an android. Cool! (40x60 cms., mixed media @ 550 euro; 200x150 cms., acrylic, oil, house paint @ 2,275 euro; 400x231 cms., acrylic,oil, house paint @ 4,300 euro.) Until 28th September. www.galeriebmb.nl 
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...And another fee steps will take you to SLEWE for Paul Drissen's exhibition of conceptual abstract canvas with one that is dimensional. He adds collage pieces ranging from material to paper cut-out. The geometric abstractions are complex and busy to the eye. Some make make you dizzy! (40x50 cms., collage of cloth, printed paper, color pencil, casein temper on canvas@ 2,950 euro; 200x190 cms., same as before @ 11,750 euro.) Until 12th October. www.slewe.nl
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At BRANDT (Prinsengracht 799) is an amazing diorama-like construction work that you view through a five cms., porthole-like window. In looking at the scene through the glass is  appears to be a fisheye view of a real scene, that is a 3D photograph. Not at all. The two examples are both 3D constructions. The artist, Patrick Jacobs, makes miniatures lie those seen at natural-history dioramas. He uses a vast number of material considering the size to achieve the effect: wood, extruded styrene, acrylic, paper, ash, talc, starch, vinyl film, copper, steel, lighting, acrylite and Bk7 glass. Well, as you can imagine these are complex pieces. (Viewing area is 5 cms., overall size of piece 37x28.5x24 cms., @ 8,400 euro.)...Sharing hte space is Paolo Ventura who features an "old circus performer looking back on his life. He does it cleverly using a large canvas painting of an airplane---open cockpit, c1920---and places his circus performed at the controls. There is a feeling of nostalgia for times gone by. The photography itself is first rate. (76x95 cms., Ed 10, digital print on diasec and dibond @ 4,500 euro; 102x127 cms., Ed 5. digital pr. on diasec and dibond @6,900 euro. Until __?__. www.galeriebrandt.com 
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There you have it! A great start for the Amsterdam Art Season 2013-2014. Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and go see everything...Hey, why not...There is always something for everyone at an Amsterdam gallery and or museum. Kid you not!
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Photo: Dan Zollmann in Joods Historisch Museum

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