Museum van de Geest | Outsider Art in Amsterdam Unveils Exhibition Exploring Structure in Chaos
Museum van de Geest | Outsider Art in Amsterdam is set to open a new exhibition titled "31553580 (obsession): numbers and schedules." This unique presentation delves into humanity's innate desire for order and logic amidst an often chaotic world. Running from September 22, 2022, to August 27, 2023, the exhibition transforms the museum's Amsterdam location into an immersive exploration of systems, categorisation, and the solace found in structure.
A Unique Visitor Experience in Amsterdam
Visitors stepping into the exhibition space at Amstel 51 will find themselves within an enormous, uncompromising schedule. Artworks are thoughtfully arranged in a large, orderly grid, offering a deliberate contrast to external disarray. Featured artists include Doerte Weber, Eiko Ishizawa, George Widener, and Lionel Plak, whose works collectively explore the theme of seeking clarity through numbers and routines. Handwritten gallery texts by the curators guide the experience, logically connecting the diverse pieces and their narratives.
Curating the Obsession: A Mother-Son Collaboration
The exhibition is the result of a first-time collaboration between artist Jan Hoek and curator Hanne Hagenaars. This mother-son duo shares a deep fascination with numbers and schedules, a theme they previously explored for the art magazine Mister Motley. Their curatorial vision merges the worlds of "insider" and "outsider" art, highlighting how many artists, particularly those from outsider art traditions, employ systematic approaches to process overwhelming experiences. The exhibition posits that the inclination to capture chaos in schedules is a universal human trait, spanning from artists to everyday individuals.
Share Your Own Schedules: An Interactive Element
"31553580 (obsession): numbers and schedules" invites active visitor participation. In the lead-up to and during the exhibition, individuals are encouraged to submit their own remarkable lists and schedules. These could range from personal diary pages and amusing shopping lists to complex time plans or simple daily notes. Submissions received will be integrated into the exhibition from September 22, 2022, further transforming the space. To contribute, submissions can be sent via email to [email protected] with 'Numbers' in the subject line.
The exhibition features a broad roster of participating artists, including Alex Naber, Angel Lartigue, Annesas Appel, and many others, showcasing a diverse array of perspectives on the central theme.
Exploring the Human Mind at Museum van de Geest
Museum van de Geest is dedicated to exploring the human mind, embracing its diversity, strength, and fragility. Through its programs, the museum aims to open dialogue around mental health and neurodiversity. Its Amsterdam location, Museum van de Geest | Outsider Art, is uniquely positioned as the Netherlands' only museum housing a large international collection of Outsider Art. This art form, created by individuals often outside mainstream art circles, offers uninhibited glimpses into inner worlds. The museum is situated at Amstel 51, sharing an exquisite building with other cultural institutions in Amsterdam, and was recently honored with the European Museum of the Year Award.
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