Tussen Tompouce en Baklava: An Amsterdam Exhibition on Migration, Identity, and Cultural Pluralism

This exhibition by Studio Batman, led by artist Emin Batman, explores themes of belonging and cultural pluralism using the Dutch 'tompouce' and Turkish 'baklava' as metaphors. It delves into migration narratives, the redefinition of home, and the forging of hybrid identities through architecture, design, and spiritual symbols.

“Tussen Tompouce en Baklava” is the first solo exhibition of Studio Batman, led by interdisciplinary artist and designer Emin Batman, and curated by Hale Albayrak and Havva Mayalizade. Marking the 60th anniversary of the guest worker agreement between Türkiye and the Netherlands, the exhibition uses the iconic desserts of Dutch and Turkish cuisines—tompouce and baklava—as powerful metaphors for entangled experiences of belonging, showcasing the richness that cultural pluralism can bring. Through a multidisciplinary approach incorporating architecture, design, sound, and spiritual symbols, the exhibition makes visible the layered narratives of migration. It invites visitors to contemplate how notions of home and homeland are redefined, how traditions are rearticulated, and how hybrid identities are forged across generations. Situated at the Van Eesteren Museum, the exhibition establishes a dialogical relationship with its spatial context, highlighting a pivotal moment in Dutch-Turkish migration history and contributing to the city-wide commemorative efforts for Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. Studio Batman, founded by Emin Batman, operates at the intersection of architecture, design, spirituality, and social inquiry, focusing on intercultural dialogue and intersectionality to explore themes of migration, identity, and intersection through material, form, and visual narrative. The exhibition also serves as an early step toward Batman’s vision of establishing a Migration Museum in Amsterdam. Central to Studio Batman’s visual identity is the color blue, reclaimed from shared chromatic traditions of Delft and İznik tiles, acting as a visual bridge between cultures. Visitors will encounter a powerful body of work that invites contemplation, challenges assumptions, and celebrates rich cultural intersections, offering a transformative experience.

Information about ticketing and admission is not explicitly detailed on this page. Visitors are directed to the museum's general event pages for further details.