Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Unveils Sandra Mujinga's Immersive 'Skin to Skin' Exhibition
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is set to host a major new exhibition, 'Skin to Skin,' by acclaimed Norwegian artist Sandra Mujinga. Opening on September 13, 2025, and running through January 11, 2026, this ambitious presentation will transform the museum's lower-level gallery into an otherworldly environment.
Experience 'Skin to Skin' at the Stedelijk
Visitors navigating 'Skin to Skin' can expect to step into a stark, unearthly realm crafted through sound, shifting green light, and strategically placed mirrors. The exhibition features 55 identical figures that appear to multiply endlessly, creating an immersive landscape where traditional senses of direction become disorienting. These spectral, humanoid forms, some looming on pedestals while others recede into shadow, play with perceptions of presence and absence.
The installation invites contemplation on whether these entities are human, deep-sea creatures, or beings from another solar system. As light shifts and sound permeates the murky green space, the experience aims to draw visitors into liminal narratives, exploring the interplay of immobility and movement, visibility and disappearance.
Exploring Themes of Identity and Visibility
Mujinga's work often delves into themes of identity and representation, particularly in an increasingly digital world. The hybrid figures in 'Skin to Skin' evoke avatars, prompting questions about the nature of self when identities are copied, multiplied, or fragmented across digital platforms. The installation also subtly addresses the perception of Black bodies, which are often subjected to constant observation yet frequently overlooked or misrepresented.
The towering, humanoid sculptures simultaneously suggest protection and a subtle threat, reflecting the complex tension between being seen and remaining invisible. This uneasy balance is central to the artist's exploration of modern existence. In the exhibition, Mujinga’s original compositions of light and sound enhance this speculative universe, causing reality to bend as skin tones disappear and shadows pulsate within the shapeshifting green landscape.
About the Artist: Sandra Mujinga
Sandra Mujinga, born in 1989 in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, is an interdisciplinary artist known for her groundbreaking work spanning visual art, performance, music, and digital platforms. Her practice frequently constructs alternative realities that challenge conventional perspectives. Mujinga's significant achievements include winning the Preis der Nationalgalerie in 2021, and her art has been showcased in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Guggenheim Museum, MoMA, and the Venice Biennale.
Visitor Information for the Exhibition
The 'Skin to Skin' exhibition runs from September 13, 2025, to January 11, 2026, offering an extended opportunity to experience Sandra Mujinga's unique vision at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. The exhibition is organized by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and Belvedere, Vienna, and curated by Melanie Bühler (Stedelijk) and Axel Köhne (Belvedere).
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