'Between You and Me' Exhibition Unveils Family Holocaust Stories at Amsterdam's National Holocaust Museum
The Jewish Cultural Quarter in Amsterdam is set to unveil a profound new exhibition at the National Holocaust Museum. Titled "Between You and Me: Memory Boxes by Amos van Gelder and Amit Gur," this installation opens on March 7, 2025, and will run until October 26, 2025. It offers a deeply personal exploration of the Holocaust through the myriad experiences and recollections within a single family.
Exploring Memory Through Art
At the heart of "Between You and Me" are 20 portraits by artist Amos van Gelder, presented within unique structures he calls "Memory Boxes." These boxes symbolize containers for cherished recollections, inviting visitors to reflect on how history is preserved and interpreted. The exhibition delves into nearly every facet of the Shoah, from hiding and deportation to betrayal, resistance, and survival, all seen through the lens of Van Gelder's own family history and his artistic response.
Flashes of these memories are also made audible through an accompanying audiotour, featuring spoken texts enhanced by a musical composition from Amit Gur. A visual diagram further illustrates the intricate relationships between the individuals portrayed. Van Gelder incorporates Hebrew words, painted in a halo around the subjects' heads, with visible and tactile "texture" in the letter-reliefs of his work.
Stories of Resilience and Intrigue
The exhibition vividly recounts extraordinary family narratives, such as Van Gelder's mother, who narrowly escaped capture by the notorious double agent Anton van der Waals during her time in hiding in Zaandam. The enigmatic decision of Van der Waals, a figure responsible for countless betrayals, to spare her life remains a mystery. Other powerful stories include that of David Cohen, Van Gelder’s great-uncle, who chaired the Jewish Council, and his grandmother Flora, who survived the 'Experimentation Block' at Auschwitz. The collection of portraits also features figures like Ferdinand Aus der Fünten and Albert Gemmeker, illustrating the complex web of interconnected lives during the war.
An Artistic Collaboration
The installation is a collaborative effort between visual artist Amos van Gelder and composer Amit Gur. Gur, known for his music inspired by visual art, composed pieces that musically link the depicted individuals, with the texture of his music unfolding over time. Their shared fascination with "texture" serves as a unifying artistic principle for the exhibition.
About the Artists
Amos van Gelder (Haifa, Israel, 1960) trained in both the Netherlands and the United States. His artistic practice draws heavily from Israeli culture, the Hebrew language, Jewish traditions, and, more recently, the Shoah. "Memory Boxes" marks his first Holocaust-related work centered on his own family's experiences.
Amit Gur (Tel Aviv, Israel, 1987) studied composition in Jerusalem and Amsterdam. He currently teaches and conducts research at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, holding a doctorate from the University of Antwerp for his work on composition and music perception.
Planning Your Visit
The exhibition, curated by guest conservator Birgitta van Blitterswijk, will be on display at the National Holocaust Museum within the Jewish Cultural Quarter in Amsterdam from March 7 to October 26, 2025. For more information about visiting and exploring this poignant exhibition, you can find details on the Jewish Cultural Quarter's agenda.
To discover more about cultural events and institutions in Amsterdam, explore Musemap (musemap.art), your guide to unique experiences. You can easily browse museums in Amsterdam or search for other cultural spots that resonate with your interests.
