Bijbels Museum Amsterdam Launches 'EXODUS de Expo' Podcast Series
Amsterdam's Bijbels Museum, housed within the historic Cromhouthuizen, has unveiled a new podcast series titled "EXODUS de Expo." This audio experience delves into universal narratives and contemporary issues through selected artworks from the museum’s collaborative "EXODUS" group exhibition. The series aims to connect the ancient Exodus story with present-day life, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the exhibition's themes.
Exploring the 'EXODUS' Exhibition Through Audio
The "EXODUS de Expo" podcast features four distinct episodes, each focusing on a specific artwork from the original exhibition, which brought together 28 pieces of contemporary art. Listeners can now engage with the exhibition's urgent stories and artistic interpretations, exploring how age-old biblical themes resonate in the modern world. The full series is available for streaming on platforms like Spotify.
The "EXODUS" exhibition itself, a collaboration between the Bijbels Museum and Buitenplaats Doornburgh, showcases diverse perspectives on migration, liberation, and identity, inviting visitors to reflect on these enduring human experiences.
Spotlight on Podcast Themes and Artworks
Each podcast episode is dedicated to a unique theme, interpreted through compelling artwork and personal narratives:
- "Asjera’s terugkeer" (Asherah’s Return): This episode highlights the work of artist Marieke Ploeg, who explores the concept of the feminine divine. It discusses her project of creating over 3,000 goddess figurines to bring Asherah back into collective memory, even following a feminist theologian who incorporated her Asherah figure into an Extinction Rebellion action.
- "Mama Aisa tyari a boskopu kon" (Mama Aisa Brings the Message): Featuring artist Jaasir Linger, this segment sheds light on the Winti religion, historically suppressed during colonial times in Suriname. Linger’s art, rich in Winti symbolism, advocates for his ancestors' faith, and the episode includes insights from a Winti priestess dedicated to living in harmony with nature and community.
- "Wanneer ben je werkelijk vrij?" (When Are You Truly Free?): This episode centers on a collective artwork by makers from the Pauluskerk, which reflects their often challenging lived realities. It follows a visitor, Niel, whose journey from long-term detention to a positive life raises questions about the true meaning of freedom.
- "Op zoek naar thuis" (Searching for Home): This installment considers the work "Choub" (Wood) by Mehdi Mashayekhi. It features Sarah Safi Harb, who, like the artist, sought a new identity after moving to a different culture, exploring how the search for belonging can manifest in various ways, even after years in a new country.
Behind the Scenes: The Podcast Creators
The "EXODUS de Expo" podcast series was brought to life by Babette Rijkhoff and Lotte van Gaalen, both acclaimed for their work in documentary storytelling and audio production. Babette Rijkhoff specializes in crafting intimate, vulnerable narratives, aiming to create "films for the ears" that allow listeners to discover new worlds and perspectives. Lotte van Gaalen, recognized with a Dutch Creativity Award, focuses on personal stories that touch upon broader societal, psychological, or philosophical themes. Their combined expertise has shaped a series that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
This production by the Bijbels Museum offers a unique way for audiences to engage with art and important cultural discussions from anywhere. For more cultural discoveries in Amsterdam and beyond, Musemap (musemap.art) helps you explore local museums and their offerings. You can browse other museums or find places on the map to plan your next visit.
