ARTZUID is the Netherlands' premier sculpture biennial. Every two years, fifty striking sculptures are exhibited for four months on the leafy Apollolaan and Minervalaan avenues in Amsterdam Zuid. The mission is to create a new meeting place with a selection of museum-quality sculptures. ARTZUID makes art accessible to everyone free of charge.
ARTZUID & Broersma Wonen Working
Broersma has a strong connection to the city of Amsterdam, architecture, art, and culture. Art Zuid is an initiative that not only inspires with all kinds of beautiful works of art, but is also unique because it does so in public spaces. This allows everyone to enjoy art, reflect on it, or be inspired by it. As it does every year, Broersma is happy to contribute to this. In the intercultural corner of Art Zuid on Apollolaan, diagonally opposite the pavilion on Minervalaan, two 'walls' measuring 6 by 1.5 meters will be placed opposite the school. Papa Adama will paint one side of the wall with a Basquiat-inspired painting. Pupils from primary, secondary, and special education will spray paint the other side with graffiti. On September 7, Broersma will organize an auction of this art. The proceeds will go to charity.
Artist and curator of ARTZUID 2023 Jasper Krabbé, who started out on the streets in the 1980s as graffiti artist JAZ, wants to appeal to young people in particular with a colorful exhibition. When selecting the images, he therefore chose art that is close to their world of experience.
Jasper Krabbé: “Art connects people. We want to involve young people in the plan. Many are struggling, and art can be an antidote to the current polarization, extreme individualization, and uncertainty fueled by social media. I hope that at ARTZUID, through the influences of street art, neo-pop art, and graffiti, we can reach young people and offer them a place, literally a place, by creating hangouts and a graffiti wall, among other things."
ARTZUID & Papa Adama
Graffiti plays a major role in street art. During ARTZUID Transfer, in which street art is one of the major sources of inspiration, this art form cannot be overlooked. That is why artist Papa Adama was asked to create a mural in which he will give his interpretation of the theme Transfer. Papa Adama (1980) was born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. There he studied sculpture at the CNAA (Centre National Artisanal d'Art) with a specialization in working with bronze. In 2003, he moved to the Netherlands, where he studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy and the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten. During this period, he also began painting. His paintings are characterized by a colorful, expressive style with influences from neo-expressionism and street art. His work is about humanity. He creates imaginary worlds that correspond to the world in which he himself lives. He observes the movements and emotions of life by looking at the colors and impressions of the people and the environment around him. His art revolves around harmony, peace, and love. His social commitment is also evident in the project he started in 2013 with architect Bart Guldemond to build a children's education center in Ouagadougou. People who want to support him in realizing this project contact the Art Zuid foundation.
Papa Adama (Adama Koudougou Sawadogo), 1980
ARTZUID & 2023
The eighth edition of the biennial Amsterdam Sculpture Biennale ARTZUID will Location May 19 to September 24, 2023. Curator Jasper Krabbé has selected 50 sculptures for display on Apollolaan and Minervalaan in Amsterdam-Zuid under the theme Transfer.
The selected art reflects the transfer of social engagement from artists and influential movements from the 1960s, 1980s, and 2000s that brought 'art to the streets'. Think of (Neo)Pop Art, Nouveau Réalisme, Arte Povera, and Street Art. With the help of sponsors, ten commissions have been awarded to Dutch artists. The selection of 50 artworks, compiled by curator Jasper Krabbé, represents a mix of internationally renowned artists and young talent and is primarily aimed at appealing to young people.
Krabbé: "Pop art is still relevant. Many contemporary artists echo it in their work."
"I hope to connect with what is happening among a new generation and how they are developing their identity. Art can offer enlightenment, hope, and reflection."
The starting point of the exhibition is the ARTZUID Information Pavilion opposite Minervalaan 1, Amsterdam. Rooms at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Private tours can be booked via communicatie@artzuid.nl
A route map and catalog are available at the Information Pavilion at Minervalaan 1. For more information, visit www.artzuid.nl.
