Richard Long's Land Art Takes Over Rijksmuseum Gardens in Amsterdam for 10th Anniversary Exhibition
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is marking the tenth year of its annual sculpture exhibition in the gardens by showcasing the work of acclaimed British artist Richard Long. Recognized as a leading contemporary artist, Long's unique approach to art often involves subtle interventions within landscapes, many in remote global locations he explores on foot. This anniversary display, running from May 26 to October 29, 2023, invites visitors to experience Long's distinctive blend of art and nature.
Visitors can explore eight of Long's creations throughout the exhibition, including six pieces created specifically for this occasion. The selection notably features four "grassworks" within the Rijksmuseum Gardens, echoing his pioneering 1967 work, A Line Made by Walking.
Exploring Richard Long's Connection to Nature
Richard Long approaches the natural world as his primary studio, with walking forming the core of his artistic practice. His journeys define time and space, allowing him to trace the contours of the environments he encounters. Many of his works emerge from these expeditions: discreet interventions crafted from available natural materials such like stones or twigs, or by simply walking a particular route. These interventions, though appearing simple, are conceptual sculptures. They often refer to fundamental aspects of time, space, motion, and scale, sometimes evoking symbols from ancient civilizations.
Long's Artistry in the Rijksmuseum Gardens
For the Rijksmuseum exhibition, Long's grassworks draw direct inspiration from A Line Made by Walking. He achieves their abstract forms by meticulously mowing certain sections while allowing others to grow naturally. As the season advances, the visual contrast will intensify, enhanced by natural light and shadow, before the works gradually return to nature. Consistent with much of Long's oeuvre, photographs or textworks will often serve as the only lasting records of these ephemeral installations.
Beyond the grass installations, two sculptures crafted from boulders, sourced from the Maas River's journey to the North Sea, are also featured in the gardens.
Indoor Installations: Bringing Nature Inside
The exhibition extends indoors with two significant stone pieces displayed within the Rijksmuseum itself. In the Great Hall, River of Stones (2023), composed of red Indian stones, traces a path across Pierre Cuypers’ original floor mosaic. This work is a variation of a piece Long created in Jaipur, India, in 2021. The Atrium's central floor, meanwhile, will feature Black White Blue Purple Circle (1998), a striking arrangement of colored stones designed to be viewed from above.
A Celebrated Artist in Dutch Collections
Born in 1945, Richard Long had his first solo exhibition in 1968 and has since built an internationally recognized body of work. He received the notable Turner Prize in 1989. His art is represented in several prominent Dutch collections, including the Stedelijk Museum, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, and the Kröller-Müller Museum.
Celebrating a Decade of Outdoor Art at the Rijksmuseum
This exhibition marks the tenth annual free outdoor sculpture show in the Rijksmuseum Gardens. Previous editions have featured works by renowned artists such as Henry Moore (2013), Alexander Calder (2014), Joan Miró (2015), and Barbara Hepworth (2022), establishing a rich tradition of showcasing modern and contemporary sculpture in this historic setting.
An exhibition catalogue, Richard Long in the Rijksmuseum, will be available in English and Dutch starting mid-June 2023. Additionally, a podcast episode featuring an interview with Richard Long will be released in late May. From July 1, guided tours, offered in Dutch, English, and Dutch sign language, will also cater to blind and partially sighted visitors.
To discover more about what's on at the Rijksmuseum and other cultural highlights in the city, visit Musemap (musemap.art) and explore current exhibitions or browse other museums in Amsterdam.
