Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Presents "Express Yourself": A Photo Exhibition on Youth Culture
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is set to open "Express Yourself," a new photography exhibition delving into youth culture from 1981 to 2012. Featuring approximately 40 works by photographers Gerard Wessel and André Bogaerts, the exhibition offers distinct perspectives on young people coming of age. Visitors can explore this special presentation in the Rijksmuseum's photography gallery from 16 February to 9 June 2024.
A Photographic Journey Through Dutch Youth Culture
For generations, young people often mirrored adult styles, but a significant shift occurred in the 1950s when youth began defining their own fashion and attitudes. This emergence made them a compelling subject for photographers, with figures like Ed van der Elsken in the Netherlands leading the way in documenting this evolving social dynamic. "Express Yourself" continues this tradition by showcasing two modern lenses on the topic, highlighting different facets of youth experience in the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam.
Contrasting Perspectives: Wessel and Bogaerts
The exhibition brings together recent acquisitions and gifts of photographs by Gerard Wessel (b. 1960) and André Bogaerts (1955-2022). Both artists captured the essence of youth but through very different settings and styles.
Gerard Wessel: Capturing Amsterdam's Nightlife and Street Scenes
Gerard Wessel, who considers himself a street photographer, focused much of his work on the vibrant nightlife and diverse street life of Amsterdam from 1985 onwards. His images often celebrate self-expression and the energetic atmosphere of various urban spaces, including specific venues and events within a close radius of his home in the city. Wessel's photographs, many of which appeared in the weekly magazine Nieuwe Revu, aim to explore his fascination with the people around him.
André Bogaerts: Intimate Portraits from a School Setting
André Bogaerts took a more contemplative approach, creating intimate portraits of students at the Amsterdam school for Individual Continuing Arts Education (IVKO), where he also taught photography. His series, initiated in the early 1980s, captures teenagers on the cusp of adulthood. Seventeen of these striking portraits were featured in Vrij Nederland magazine in November 1982, accompanied by interviews where students discussed their personal styles and preferences, underscoring the importance of clothing in their self-identity.
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore historical and social aspects of youth culture through the powerful medium of photography. To learn more about other cultural institutions and events in the city, visit Musemap (musemap.art) or explore more museums in Amsterdam. You can also discover what's on during your visit.
