The Black Archives in Amsterdam Contribute to Dutch Entry at the 2019 Venice Biennale
The Black Archives, a significant cultural archive and exhibition space in Amsterdam dedicated to Black history and activism, played a key role in the Netherlands' representation at the 58th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2019. This collaboration involved artist Iris Kensmil, one of three artists chosen to present work in the Dutch pavilion.
The Dutch entry, selected by an international jury from seventy proposals, featured artists Stanley Brouwn (1935-2017), Remy Jungerman (1959), and Iris Kensmil (1970), all of Surinamese descent. Curated by Benno Tempel, director of the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, the exhibition was titled "The Measurement of Presence: Body, Spirit, History." It aimed to explore the concept of national identity through the distinct perspectives of body, spirit, and history.
Exploring National Identity and History Through Art
The exhibition delved into multifaceted interpretations of national identity. Stanley Brouwn's work often involved sculptures based on his own body's measurement system, with a wooden sculpture rooted in an old Venetian length measure, the cavezzo, featured in Venice. Remy Jungerman drew inspiration from Winti rituals for his sculptures, which included an installation intended as an altar for ancestral communication and another referencing Surinamese plantation history. Visitors interested in Remy Jungerman's artistic approach can learn more in an interview detailing his blend of De Stijl with Winti rituals.
Iris Kensmil's contribution specifically engaged with the narratives often overlooked in mainstream history. She created portraits of Black activists, setting them against modernist backgrounds, offering a critical re-evaluation of historical perspectives. For this presentation, Kensmil collaborated directly with The Black Archives.
All three artists found common ground in modernism and the principles of De Stijl. The iconic architecture of the Dutch pavilion, designed by Gerrit Rietveld, was integral to the exhibition's setup, envisioned as a meeting point for reflection on the past and present.
The Black Archives' Ongoing Influence in Cultural Dialogue
The involvement of The Black Archives highlights its increasing prominence as a resource for artists and researchers exploring critical themes. The institution had previously served as a significant source for Wendelien van Oldenborgh's critically acclaimed presentation at the 2017 Biennale, which also addressed the Netherlands' colonial past and national identity. Iris Kensmil's subsequent collaboration further solidifies The Black Archives' role in shaping contemporary cultural discourse.
The 58th Venice Biennale took place from May 11 to November 24, 2019, with Ralph Rugoff, director of the Hayward Gallery in London, serving as the main curator.
To discover more about cultural institutions and exhibitions across the city, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for other museums in Amsterdam or use our map to find cultural spots near you.
