The Oude Kerk proudly presented Sarah van Sonsbeeck's impactful exhibition, 'We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.' This unique installation reimagined the church as a maritime space, delving into its deep historical links with sailors and sea voyages. Through evocative materials like golden Mylar blankets, the artwork thoughtfully explored profound concepts of protection, vulnerability, and the global migration crisis, inviting visitors to reflect on shared human experiences within an ancient, protective setting.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Sarah van Sonsbeeck: We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam
This exhibition by Sarah van Sonsbeeck reimagined the Oude Kerk as a maritime space, exploring its historical connection to sailors and sea voyages. The installation used materials like golden Mylar blankets, reflecting on themes of protection, refuge, and the contemporary migration crisis.
The Oude Kerk presented 'We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now,' an exhibition by artist Sarah van Sonsbeeck that revisited the monumental building's historical ties to the sea. Historically, the Oude Kerk served as a haven for sailors, a place where ships were blessed, and where many seafarers found their final resting place. The architectural concept of the church, with its vaulted ceiling resembling an inverted ship's hull ('the ship'), further inspired Van Sonsbeeck's intervention. The exhibition explored the interweaving of the Oude Kerk's past as a maritime church with the current global migration crisis. Van Sonsbeeck's installation engaged with materials that carry profound contemporary meanings. Referencing her 2012 'Anti Drone Tent' made from rescue blankets, the artist focused on the golden Mylar blanket. This material, often associated with abstracting the bodies of refugees after perilous sea crossings, became a central element. By placing this material within the ancient, protective structure of the Oude Kerk, Van Sonsbeeck prompted reflection on protection, vulnerability, and shared humanity, drawing a parallel between the church's original role as a sanctuary and the urgent need for refuge today.
Visitors can book tickets for the exhibition via a provided link to the Oude Kerk's ticketing platform. The exhibition falls under general museum admission context for the Oude Kerk.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Sarah van Sonsbeeck: We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam
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