Step into the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam to experience Sarah van Sonsbeeck's impactful installation, 'We may have all come on different ships but we are in the same boat now'. This profound artwork features 333 golden life blankets covering the floor, creating a powerful visual and thematic link. It thoughtfully explores the historic connection of the building to the sea while addressing the critical modern issues surrounding migration and refuge.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for We may have all come on different ships but we are in the same boat now at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam
Sarah van Sonsbeeck's installation covers the Oude Kerk floor with 333 golden life blankets, evoking the building's historical connection to the sea and addressing the contemporary issue of migration. The artwork highlights the protective material and its resonance with historical and current narratives of refuge.
Artist Sarah van Sonsbeeck transformed the Oude Kerk by covering its floor with 333 golden life blankets, creating a warm, resonant glow that links to the building's centuries-old connection with gold in religious art. More significantly, the installation addresses the pressing issue of migration, drawing a parallel between the historical function of the Oude Kerk as a harbor church and the contemporary plight of refugees. The golden hue, often seen in media images of refugees wrapped in survival blankets after sea crossings, becomes a focal point for reflection. Van Sonsbeeck's subtle yet poignant gesture brings the refugee crisis into tangible focus within the ancient walls of the Oude Kerk. This historic building, which once served as a place for sailors' prayers, baptisms, and final resting places, now provides a context for contemplating protection and displacement. The installation uses the garish yet wafer-thin protective material of the rescue blankets to prompt reflection on the building's original role in offering shelter and housing, thereby connecting past and present through a powerful visual statement.
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Dirck Crabeth's 1555 masterwork: intricate religious and family imagery in glass.
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A permanent presentation exploring medieval heritage and contemporary art.
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Discover Oude Kerk
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Honor Saskia Uylenburgh's legacy with poetry, music, and historical insights.
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Features a Rijksmuseum curator, poet, and violinist in a unique historical setting.
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Navigate Amsterdam's exhibition landscape to discover captivating showcases across various themes and venues. Delve into temporary displays, special collections, and cultural events. Plan your visits to experiences that intrigue you.