Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Welcome Key Works by Carrie Mae Weems
The Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam have jointly announced the acquisition of several significant photographs by acclaimed American artist Carrie Mae Weems. These powerful works, part of her Painting the Town series, will be featured in a dedicated exhibition at the Rijksmuseum from February 7 to June 9, 2025.
A Collaborative Acquisition Enhances Amsterdam's Collections
This notable acquisition enriches the permanent collections of both prominent Amsterdam institutions. The Rijksmuseum has acquired Painting the Town #3 and #4, with support from the VriendenLoterij and the Vrouwen van het Rijksmuseum Fonds. Concurrently, the Stedelijk Museum has added Painting the Town #2 to its holdings, made possible by the generosity of the Leferink family and the Mondriaan Fonds.
Rein Wolfs, director of the Stedelijk Museum, highlighted the acquisition as a long-cherished desire, strengthening the museum's focus on the evolving relationship between photography and art. Taco Dibbits, director of the Rijksmuseum, praised the collaborative effort, noting Weems' critical perspective and the poetic yet monumental nature of her work, which offers a sharp commentary on contemporary American society.
Exploring Carrie Mae Weems' Painting the Town Series
Weems’ Painting the Town series emerged in 2021 from the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter protests in her hometown of Portland. The photographs depict boarded-up storefronts that were initially covered with protest messages by activists. Following directives to paint over these texts, the city inadvertently created abstract, painterly compositions that captivated Weems.
While visually striking, the beauty of these images is deliberately deceptive. They serve as a timeless reflection on the delicate balance of free speech and simultaneously engage with the history of abstract painting, a field where the contributions of Black and female artists were often historically overlooked. Weems masterfully weaves personal narratives with broader societal issues such as power dynamics, emancipation, inequality, and discrimination.
About the Artist: Carrie Mae Weems
Carrie Mae Weems (b. 1953) is renowned for her profound explorations of what it means to witness and participate in history, consistently centering on themes of racism, sexism, and discrimination. Her influential work has been exhibited globally in prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and Brooklyn Museum in New York; the Barbican Art Gallery and Tate Modern in London; and the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. Weems has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Hasselblad Award in 2023 and the National Medal of Arts, presented by President Biden in 2024. Her photographs were also featured in Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign.
Concurrent Exhibitions: American Photography at the Rijksmuseum
Visitors to the Rijksmuseum during this period can also experience the extensive American Photography exhibition, running concurrently with Carrie Mae Weems: Painting the Town. Featuring over 200 works, this broader exhibition delves into the rich and diverse history of photography in the United States. It showcases how photography, since its 19th-century invention, permeated various aspects of American life, from art and news to advertising and personal use. The exhibition includes works from the Stedelijk Museum's collection, such as four photographs by Nan Goldin and one by Andy Warhol. The American Photography exhibition is supported by Baker McKenzie, the Rijksmuseum Patrons, and the Rijksmuseum Fund, among other contributors.
This significant joint acquisition and the accompanying exhibition offer a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts in Amsterdam to engage with the impactful work of Carrie Mae Weems. To discover more about cultural events and exhibitions across the city, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for details on museums in Amsterdam or view other current happenings.
