Artwork from Bijbels Museum-Initiated EXODUS Exhibition Damaged in Amsterdam
An artwork titled "Asjera’s terugkeer" by artist Marieke Ploeg, featured in the Bijbels Museum's "EXODUS: Contemporary Art and Urgent Stories" exhibition, was damaged by a visitor on Friday, September 22, 2023. The incident, which occurred at Buitenplaats Doornburgh, has sparked wide discussion concerning artistic expression, religious belief, and public discourse.
Incident at the EXODUS Exhibition
The event unfolded around 2 PM when a visitor at Buitenplaats Doornburgh attempted to destroy parts of the sculpture "Asjera’s terugkeer." The individual reportedly justified their actions by stating there is "only one God," referencing Jaweh. Following the incident, the visitor was questioned by the police. A formal complaint was filed by the exhibition's initiators, including the Bijbels Museum, Buitenplaats Doornburgh, and artist Marieke Ploeg.
The Meaning Behind 'Asjera's Terugkeer'
Marieke Ploeg's "Asjera’s terugkeer" is a distinctive "social sculpture" comprising approximately 3,000 small ceramic goddess figurines. These figures were modeled after ancient Asherah goddess figurines discovered during archaeological digs in Jerusalem. The artist's intention behind the work was to inspire contemplation and dialogue about the historical and contemporary role of women in religion and its broader societal implications.
Created in collaboration with 250 individuals, the project involved a three-phase process: collaborative creation of the figurines, their exhibition, and finally, allowing visitors to take them home. Over 1,000 figurines were distributed to visitors, who were encouraged to place them in their homes as "conversation pieces," fostering ongoing discussion about the artwork's themes. The artist received hundreds of photos of the figurines in their new settings.
Artist's Response and Exhibition's Conclusion
Artist Marieke Ploeg responded to the damage by choosing to leave the artwork in its altered state, with the destruction visible. She explained her decision as an invitation to engage in an open conversation about vulnerability and the capacity for respectful dialogue about differing perspectives within society.
The "EXODUS" exhibition, which featured "Asjera’s terugkeer," concluded on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Despite the incident, the exhibition had garnered positive reviews from both critics and the public. On its final weekend, the artist decided to give away the remaining 1,900 figurines to visitors. The event and the artwork have continued to generate significant media attention and public discussion, with various media outlets reporting on the reactions.
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