STRAAT Museum Amsterdam Welcomes 'DUO' Exhibition with Royal Opening
Amsterdam's prominent street art institution, STRAAT Museum, is set to unveil its latest exhibition, "DUO. Beyond Two Visions: A Spanish Dutch Creative Collaboration," to the public from April 19 to June 2, 2024. The exhibition will be officially inaugurated on the evening of April 18, 2024, by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and King Felipe VI of Spain, accompanied by their respective wives, Queen Máxima and Queen Letizia, during the concluding event of the Spanish royal couple's state visit to the Netherlands.
Celebrating Dutch-Spanish Cultural Ties Through Street Art
"DUO" presents a unique artistic dialogue, featuring ten new murals, each measuring 5 x 3.5 meters. These large-scale works visually explore the extensive cultural history shared between Spain and the Netherlands. The exhibition brings together ten acclaimed street artists – five from Spain and five from the Netherlands – who have collaborated in teams of two, with each team comprising one artist from each country.
The collaborative process saw artists creating their individual canvases while addressing one of five overarching cultural themes: Artistic Heritage, Historical Developments, Architectural Movements, Vision for the Future, and Natural Landscapes. This approach highlights the individual inspirations, techniques, and visions of each artist while fostering a shared exploration of the themes. The exhibition aims to showcase the evolution and diversity of mural and street art from both nations, celebrating their friendship and strong connection within the vibrant world of urban art.
Discovering 'DUO': Participating Artists and Themes
The exhibition features a curated selection of artists, each contributing to their assigned theme:
- Artistic Heritage: Belin x TelmoMiel
- Historical Developments: Musa 71 x Leon Keer
- Architectural Movements: SUSO33 x Mick la Rock
- Vision for the Future: Okuda San Miguel x Mr. June
- Natural Landscapes: Irene Lopez x Nina Valkhoff
The collective creative process for these artworks took place simultaneously in the week leading up to the exhibition's opening. The "DUO" concept originated from artist SUSO33 and Santiago Herrero, Director of Cultural and Scientific Relations at the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), and was thoughtfully curated by SUSO33 alongside STRAAT Head Curator David Roos.
Plan Your Visit to STRAAT Museum for the 'DUO' Exhibition
Located on Amsterdam's NDSM-terrein, STRAAT Museum is known for its expansive collection of street art and graffiti, housed within a colossal former shipbuilding shed. The museum proudly displays over 180 gigantic artworks, all created on-site by international artists, with its collection regularly expanding. Visitors frequently have the opportunity to observe artists at work.
The "DUO" exhibition offers a compelling reason to visit, providing insight into contemporary street art and the cultural exchange between two European nations. To ensure your entry and experience this unique collaboration, visitors can secure their tickets through the museum's official channels: secure your tickets. The exhibition runs from April 19 through June 2, 2024.
For those interested in exploring more cultural attractions and happenings in Amsterdam, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can browse more museums in Amsterdam or find other exhibitions happening in the city to enhance your cultural journey.
