New Exhibition: Ivna Esajas' 'Wayward Lines' Debuts at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is set to unveil a significant new exhibition, "Ivna Esajas: Wayward Lines. Consent Not to Be a Single Being," opening its doors on March 7, 2026. This presentation celebrates the work of Ivna Esajas, recipient of the 13th ABN AMRO Art Award, and features a collaborative exploration of interconnectedness and identity.
A Collaborative Artistic Vision
Esajas' exhibition delves into themes of interaction, collective identity, and the intricate connections between individuals, history, and culture. Her artistic approach, blending drawing and painting, creates figures that fluidly merge and connect, embodying both fragility and strength. The project is conceived as a "call-and-response" experience, inviting contributions from fellow artists Siomara Ratna van Bochove, Sondi, Jaasir Linger, and DJ LOVESUPREME.
The presentation itself is structured like a record, with "Consent Not to Be a Single Being" and "Wayward Lines" forming two complementary parts. This structure aims to explore shared authorship and ownership, fostering diverse perspectives on Black identity, drawing from everyday life, family histories, personal experiences, and intergenerational knowledge. The exhibition is curated by Amal Alhaag.
Engaging Performances and an Innovative Publication
Visitors can look forward to more than just the visual art. The opening of "Wayward Lines" will include a performance by writer, poet, and spoken word artist Babs Gons. Additionally, an ongoing performance by theatre DEGASTEN, in collaboration with DJ LOVESUPREME, will be part of the exhibition experience.
Complementing the visual and performance aspects is the publication, also titled Wayward Lines. Compiled by Amal Alhaag and Ivna Esajas, and designed by Irma Boom Office, this book serves as a reader rather than a conventional catalogue. It features associative and poetic reflections from contributors such as Babs Gons, Momtaza Mehri, Aude Mgba, and Mame-Fatou Niang, delving into themes of Black positionality, authorship, gender, and the concept of unfinishedness. The publication is scheduled for release on March 6.
Recognizing Artistic Talent in Amsterdam
Ivna Esajas was awarded the ABN AMRO Art Award, an initiative dedicated to supporting emerging female talent in the Netherlands and fostering equality and inclusion within the art sector. The award includes a solo exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum, a publication, and a monetary prize, with works by the laureate also acquired for the ABN AMRO Art Collection. A separate exhibition, "Sharp Tongues," featuring Esajas' work, will run concurrently at the ABN AMRO Art Space. The jury lauded Esajas for her unique path, crafting an intriguing universe where everything interweaves and balances, drawing inspiration from myths, personal narratives, Black feminist traditions, and science fiction. The full jury report on Ivna Esajas provides further insight into her artistic practice here.
This exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam offers a rich, multi-faceted engagement with contemporary art and crucial cultural dialogues. To explore more cultural events and exhibitions happening across the city, visit Musemap (musemap.art) for current what's on listings or discover more museums in Amsterdam.
