Amsterdam
Completed

Guido van der Werve: Palpable Futility – A Retrospective Exhibition Exploring Film and Endurance

Experience the artist's profound exploration of existence and nature through his compelling films and endurance-based performances.

This 'Guido van der Werve – Palpable Futility' exhibition presents a compelling retrospective of the acclaimed artist's films. Discover his unique approach to art, blending extreme physical challenges with profound philosophical themes. The showcase features a broad selection of his works, including new creations, offering insights into his autobiographical artistic practice.

About Guido van der Werve – Palpable Futility at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Guido van der Werve – Palpable Futility at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This retrospective exhibition features a broad selection of Guido van der Werve's films, exploring the futility of existence while capturing its endless beauty through extreme physical exertions and engagement with nature. The show includes new work prompted by the artist's personal experiences.

Curatorial context

The first retrospective exhibition of Guido van der Werve, 'Palpable Futility,' presents a comprehensive collection of his films, including new work. Van der Werve is known for his films documenting extreme physical exertions, often set against dramatic natural backdrops, which explore themes of Romanticism, the sublime, and the futility of existence, yet always finding beauty within it. His practice involves challenging himself through endurance feats, such as running for twelve hours, standing at the North Pole, or completing a long-distance triathlon. The exhibition also showcases new pieces derived from his recent experience with a serious traffic accident and rehabilitation, adding a highly autobiographical layer to his work. His films frequently combine autobiographical elements with interests in classical music (he often composes his own scores), endurance sports, chess, and nature. Despite associations with Romanticism and melancholy due to his depiction of solitary figures against overwhelming natural forces, Van der Werve's work is also characterized by dry wit. The exhibition is accompanied by an extensive publication featuring texts by various authors, including MoMA curator Barbara London, who places his work in an international art historical context.

Admission and ticket notes

This exhibition is part of the general programming at Eye Filmmuseum. Visitor access information, including potential ticketing details, can be found via the museum's official channels. Further details on admission and booking are typically available on the museum's website or at the venue itself. For specific ticketing requirements, please consult the Eye Filmmuseum website directly.

Guido van der Werve – Palpable Futility key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Guido van der Werve – Palpable Futility at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam

Venue
Eye Filmmuseum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Feb 12, 2022 – May 29, 2022
Artist line / attribution
Guido van der Werve is an artist renowned for his films and performances, often exploring themes of endurance, nature, and existence. His work has been exhibited internationally and is held in major museum collections.
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