The exhibition ‘How does an Artist Collect?’ was on display at the Mesdag Collection from 14 December 2013 to 12 January 2014.
This exhibition featured pieces by eight contemporary artists whose work is heavily influenced by collecting. How does an Artist Collect? was inspired by Hendrik Willem Mesdag, who alongside being a successful artist, was also a fervent art collector. The Mesdag Collection, part of the Van Gogh Museum, showcases Mesdag’s extensive art collection in his former residence and museum.
The exhibition was created independently by participants of ‘The Art of Making Art Exhibitions’, a course offered by the Van Gogh Museum. Supervised by specialists from the Van Gogh Museum, the 12 aspirant curators learn about all aspects of putting an exhibition together.
How does an Artist Collect?
How does an Artist Collect? featured amusing, serious and moving artworks, alive with a range of stories and emotions. The eight artists (Edwin Deen, Lernert & Sander, Pet van de Luijtgaarden, We Make Carpets, Karianne Kirsten, Saskia Laurant, Stef Kreymborg and Meinbert Gozewijn van Soest) each took an individual approach to revealing their urge to collect.
For example, Edwin Deen presented cityscapes created from everyday items, such as bottles, felt-tip pens and tubes of mints. Stef Kreymborg presented The Wailing Wall of Lonely Socks, revealing the personal story behind commonplace objects.
Especially for the exhibition, artist’s trio We Make Carpets created a carpet made entirely of different coloured pieces of chalk. Their work paid tribute to a carpet in the Mesdag Collection that was designed by Theo Colenbrander. Each of the artists is passionate about searching, finding, organising and recording – processes attended to with love and meticulous care.
‘The Art of Making Art Exhibitions’
The participants of the course are from the creative and museological sectors and include artists, photographers, designers and art historians. They are united in their ambition to create and organise exhibitions.
The course offers participants the opportunity to discover the field and build up a valuable network of professionals in the art sector.
How does an Artist Collect? was supported by the VSB Fonds, Fonds 1818, Voordekunst and Zeeman.