Pillars of Life: Lizan Freijsen's Textile Art Exhibition at ARTIS-Groote Museum

Lizan Freijsen's 'Pillars of Life' exhibition at ARTIS-Groote Museum delves into the unseen forces that sustain structures and life. Freijsen transforms the invisible, such as the cross-section of a wooden foundation pile, into a tangible textile artwork, inviting viewers to appreciate the hidden beauty in humble phenomena. The exhibition aims to shift perception towards a more dominant role for plants and a re-evaluation of humanity's place in the ecosystem.

In 'Pillars of Life,' Lizan Freijsen presents an artwork described as 'a gentle place of attention,' which reimagines the invisible forces underpinning our world. Freijsen was deeply inspired by a cross-section of a wooden foundation pile found within the museum, which had silently supported the building for over 160 years. Her artistic practice focuses on making such unseen elements visible and valuable, translating them into wool to offer a new perspective on these humble yet critical phenomena. By magnifying these 'blind spots,' Freijsen visualizes their inherent beauty and prompts a re-evaluation of the relationship between different lifeforms. The exhibition, which continued despite Freijsen's unexpected passing in February 2024, also features an introductory film by Marieke van der Lippe, detailing the creative process. Additionally, photographer Hans Wilschut contributes a monumental photographic work of a Norwegian forest, drawing a parallel to the wooden piles that form the foundation of Amsterdam and the Groote Museum itself, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and urban development. Freijsen's previous work, 'The Fungall Wall,' for ARTIS-Micropia, also explored similar themes of overlooked natural forms.

Access to the 'Pillars of Life' exhibition requires admission to the ARTIS-Groote Museum. Visitors can purchase tickets via the museum's ticketing platform, which is linked from the exhibition dates.