The 3D list Week 30 By Daniel R. Gould. Amsterdam art, galleries and museums

The 3D list week 30 by Daniel R. Gould

If you noticed this is Week #30 of Amsterdam's Art Scene. What that means is that there isn't much time left for you to visit a gallery and to buy something. Last week was not all that busy though more busy than past Easter weekends. Unfortunately, red dots were all but invisible. Only one gallery had more than one red dot, but more about that below. 3D continues to harangue his readers to BUY not to mention, for the last several weeks, to send a donation to support the production of the 3D List. But, hey, 3D gets no respect. The galleries aren't selling and 3D ain't eating. What would the world be without art and an art scene. For anyone who had visited the countries behind the "Iron Curtain," before the walls came tumbling down, you have an inkling what it is like to live in a society without art or the dedicated artists. There was "art" for sale but it was "art" dictated by the powers that were. And nothing they produced produced more than a yawn.

INDEX:

Bits & Pieces:

Museum Review...sorta:

What You Missed Last Week:

What Is Happening This Week:

BITS & PIECES:

CAUTION: 3D received today, Thursday, 16th April, an e-mail supposedly from Hans van den Ban. It says that while traveling in China, his wallet, passport, et al was lost or stolen. He needs money. It reads much like the one sent under the name of Rob Malsch and that was a SCAM. I have no doubt that this is also a rip-off. Since Hans' e-mail address has been high-jacked, 3D cannot verify by that means. You are advised NOT to send any money.

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Another gallery closing. The Kohler Muller Gallery on the Hazenstraat has closed their doors. It opened the first week of September 2007. They had specialized in Chinese artist and the POP School. The space has been taken by Cokkie Snoei of Rotterdam. See review below of the first show.

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Other peoples' comments on trying to use the new library...Leo F. had this observation to make: Well, it included the expletive (repeated frustration usually brings out the most dire primordial emotions) that begins with "f," so it is probably best that I paraphrase. Basically, what he said was that on the "media" floor, where all the CDs are located, you have no guide to finding ANYTHING. Even worse, he says, you can't play CDs like you could at the old location on the Prinsengracht.

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...Actually, there is a certain perverse virtue in not being able to find anything at the new library and it is called serendipity. 3D keeps stumbling onto books he generally would not encounter. Just found this: "Amsterdam Index 2006: a short cut to creative Amsterdam." (ISBN: 9789063691127, BIS Pubishers, 2005). On an opening page is an advert for MEXX and there are several quotations concerning the nature of design: "Design is: plan, aim, intend, devise, invent, create, conceive, propose, project, originate, fabricate, envision, culture, express, accomplish, achieve, construct, function, fashion, contrive, delineate, desprove, form, perform, produce, purpose and love." Gosh, did Theo Williams leave out anything?; "At its best, design constructs the social fabric that is our physical world; at its worst, it tears it apart," Bradley Wajcman; "Designing is finding beauty in the details," Natascha Chadha; "If function were human, design would be its vanity," Denis Begin; and "Design is sculpting Life," Rianne te Winkel

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A lecture titled "What Make a Vermeer a Vermeer?" by Arthur Wheelock, curator at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., will be held on the 15th of May (Friday, 15:30-20:30) at the Doopsgezinde Kerk, on the Singel, with a reception to follow at the Rijksmuseum which is the sponsor. Boat transportation will be provided. There is an all inclusive charge of 25 euro. 3D has e-mail the museum asking if you need to RSVP. More on a future list.

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Do you have a piano that is taking up space? The Lloyd Hotel is on the look out for it. contact via: cultureleambassade@lloydhotel.com

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The "Museum of New York City" (3D is unsure what that is, "The Metropolitan?" perhaps) in conjunction with "foam," Amsterdam's photographic museum, will mount an exhibition titled, "Dutch Seen: New York Rediscovered." It will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Dutch arrival on the island of Manhattan. A total of 13 Dutch photographers have been invited to participate by photographing a portrait of what the Big Apple is today. The list includes Rineke Dijkstra, Erwin Olaf, Inez van Lansweerde, Hendrik Kerstens, et al. The latter artist will have a reception at Witzenhausen Gallery-Chelsea at 10:00, 10th June: chelsea@witzenhausengallery.nl).

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The Frozen Fountain (Prinsengracht 645) is offering "A chair for the world, The Mondial," which was designed by Gerrit Rietveld and Willem Reitveld, his son. It is now being mass produced by Gispin. It was first presented at the Brussels World's Fair 1958. www.frozenfountain.nl

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For what it is worth..."10 Great Kitchen Gadgets." Looking for a "Smart Keetle?" Certain types of tea like herbals, black, oolong, rooibos, etc., require a specific temperature to release flavor. This pot does it all. www.chefschoice.com/page2h/html. You got an extra $469 for a garabage can? Vipp's "Yellow Cab" Pedal Bin is for you! And they point out "But if your really cool, you have cool garbage, and your trash deserves to ride in class." Sure enough. The blurp goes on to state "Vipp has a 70 year history of 'turning waste bins into art.'" Hey, some "art" deserves to be in a trash bin...but don't tell anyone where you read it. www.vipp.com. Ready for more? Smells got you down? Odors are wafting through your living space? And they are ALL caused by cooking food? Heavens to Betsy, what a revolting development that is. When 3D first enters someone's living space the first thing he notices is the smell. If the people are smokers, the place reeks of staled cigarette or cigar smoke. If they are cooks, well, the ol' nose starts to twitch. Well, those days may be gone forever. There is now, on the market, an "Odor-Absorbing Screen," for your frying pan, "...you can't sauté an onion without stinking up the place." Frying onions stink up a place? That's malarkey. Complete nonsense. Down right blasphemy to any self respecting cook or gourmet. But, if you don't like frying onion or peppers or garlic, etc etc etc check out: www.lifetimebrands.com. ...And please don't invite 3D to dinner.

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Anyone remember Marcus Aurelius? If you studied Latin the name probably rings a bell. He was a Roman Emperor around the 1st century and a featured player in the Gallic Wars against the Germanic tribes. Anyway, 3D ran across this comment by the ol' guy: "An empty pageanti; a stage play; flocks of sheep, herds of cattle; a brawl of spearmen; a bone flung among a pack of dogs; a crumb tossed into a pond of fish; ants, loaded and laboring mice, scared and scampering; puppets, jerking on their strings---that is life. In the midst of it all you must take your stand good-temperedly and without disdain." Damn, things haven't changed much in 2000 years since these are still words to live by!

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MUSEUM REVIEW:

No, this is not a review of a new exhibiton, but a preview of what to expect come this June.

In 2004, a small and user friendly museum opened at the Amstelhof called Hermitage Amsterdam. Its raison d'etre was to bring works of art and memorabilia from the Hermitage at St. Petersburg, Russia, which has a collection of about 3,000,000 objects to this city. The shows that have followed have been illuminating, educational and sometimes even spectacular. The goal was to establish a small satillite version of the Hermitage here in Amsterdam and then expand it to a world class level.

To obtain this goal, a total of 40 million euros has been spent in the endeavor to make the 9,925 square meter space something very special. Over the last few years, there have been open-house hard-hat tours to show how the Amstelhof was before renovation and how it appeared at the height of stripping it to its bare walls and foundation to what would be the basic layout to last weeks "sneak preview" as to how it has all come together. Everything about this museum is impressive. Impressive from several standpoints: the architecture, the functional layout, the amentities, the special features; the ongoing programs; and, finally, the anticipated scope of the exhibitions.

There are two main galleries and each with a ceiling consisting of louvres that can be adjusted as to how much natural light is needed from the sun. In fact, Both the louvres and the glass panels, that make for the roof, are divided into section and a section can be removed that will allow for huge objects to be lowered into the exhibition space by a crane. The guide, showing us around, said that one of the anticipated oversized pieces might be Catherine the Great's ornate and gold giltted carriage. ..if the museum can arrange for it.

The original structure was built between 1681-1683 as an old folks home by the Dutch Reform Church that still owns the property. But nothing much remains from this functional building that performed its services for over 300 years. But a few things are still in place. In the basement there are four large and circular brick containers standing about 150 cms., high and about one meter across. They resemble the "hot bath" tubs used for centuries by the Japanese. But their function here was to be used as cooking pots. They have survived the renovation. In fact, part of the permanent exhibition will be a gallery that traces the history of the building over the centuries.

The state-of-the-art security can be seen at the windows facing the Amstel. There is the outer wooden grid with glass and a recessed area of about 50 cms., which is then enclosed by thick glass which looks as if it would repel a rocket attack. In the enclosed space is a computer control shade, again, meant to adjust the light as needed.

The walls of the museum are now in the process of being "papered" with gold foil for the first exhibition. Needless to say, the contrast between the remaining white of the walls and the glitter of the gold is breathtaking. The rooms will have an elegant and rich effect. And this will enhance the first exhibition which will inaugurate the Hermitage Amsterdam. That show, beginning on the 20th of June, will display 2,000 objects: paintings, drawings, sculpture, objects d'arte; costumes; and whatnot. "'At the Russian Court' [is] a scholary researched exploration of the opulent material culture, elaborate social heirarchy and richly layered traditions of the Tsarist court at its height in the 19th century." The premier exhibtion is planned to be like no prior premeir opening for any other museum that has been built. A total of four million euros was budgeted for this six month long exhibition.

P.S. More on the next list about an adjunct to the museum, "Hermitage voor kinderen" (Hermitage for children).

WHAT YOU MISSED LAST WEEK:

Friday:

ARTTRA (Tweede Boomdwarsstraat 4) is showing four artist with the nude as the central theme. Jan Gilliam van Arkel might be just the artist to begin with since his "nudes" are perfect for people with young children and conservative grandparents. 3D describes them as conceptual figuratve abstractions loaded with color. In fact, the best way to fully appreciate them is to forget that the central idea is the nude and just enjoy them for their visual effect. (about A4 in size to slightly larger; 295, 350 and 450 euro with the frame included.)

Harm Mouw tears pages from books about A5 in size and lays down a colorful wash and once that's dried he draws with black ink or white chalk nudes or portraits. As to what the final imagery is, well, it is nearly subliminal; and the final effect is stimulating. (175-200 euro; inclusice of frame.)

Aram Tanis is hanging two b/w photos which is the "anonymous" nude. Anonymous, because we see her head, but not her facial features because her hair hides them from view. (295 euro.)

Katelijne Wortel does her nudes in pastel chalk, but the technique is such that they resemble wood cuts. The color contrast only enhances the feeling that you are looking a print. (295 to 350 euro; inclusive frame.) As you can see, the prices are very reasonable. Until _______?________. www.arttra.com

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An Italian artist, Matteo Bergamasco, is howing paintings and drawings at GALERIE Hof & Huyser (Bloemgracht 135). WOW!!! That's you first impression when you walk nto the gallery's main room. A painting measuring 200x300 cms., "hits you in the eye like a big pizza pie...and, that's amori..." or words to that effect. Bergamasco is a colorist and a true exponent of contemporary impressionism. The timing for this show could not be better: the beginning of Spring. You are immediately overtaken by the colors, but if you take the time to study each piece you will see much more; you will see subtilties that are unexpected like the touches of surrealism here and there. And like any true colorist, he does b/w brilliantly as well. There are two examples of this latter effort and both are worthy of attention especially the untitled drawings which is ink on paper but over on the far left side of the compositon there is a colorful addition. (48x70 cms., @1,250 euro.) There is also mastery in his use of light that reflects the Renaissance artists. (150x100 cms., @ 5,300 euro; 180x176 cms., @ 7,500 euro; 240x300 cms., @ 11,500 euro.) Until 9th May. www.hofhuyser.nl

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At "aschenback & hofland galleries" (Bilderdijkstraat 165) is an exhibition titled, "baker street" by Morgan Betz" which 3D describes as German expressionism updated to fit with the contemporary styles of today. The figurative elements resemble comic book art with lurid colors that often clash. There are also 15 mixed media drawings hanging and some are studies for his paintings while others are humorous and in a comic drawing like style with typography as a theme or as a central focus; and a few are just conceptual. Then there are his "objects." They are strange and whimsical like the one with the hat that has four legs balanced on a circle of rusting steel. (21x30 cms., mixed mediua, @ 500 euro; 180x250 cms., oil, @ 8,000 euro; 70x50x40 mixed media/object @ 3,500 eruo.) Until 9th May. www.xs2art.com

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A new gallery in town, but one with years of experience in the art market. Cokkie Snoei (Hazenstraat 11) seems to have come to Amsterdam with the intention of making it permanent. She has had a very successful gallery in Rotterdam for years. From time-to-time, over the years, she has had an exhibition or two in Amsterdam. But now it appears she is setting down roots. Her first offering is titled, "Dirty Pretty Things," by an American artist, Tracey Snelling. The invite describes her work as "sculptures and photographs." 3D would prefer to call the "sculptured" pieces "objects," but that's nit-picking. To get you in the proper frame of mind to visualize what Snelling does think of the Edward Kienholz's ´The Beanery,´ in the Stedelijk´ collection. Kids love it and so does 3D. I was told by a curator, at the museum, that Rudy Fuchs loothed it; in fact, he had it removed and stored away. The thing about "The Beanery" is that there is so much to it; there are so many subtle nuances that it required several visits and viewings to fully appreciate it. How many have ever read the titles of the songs listed on the juke box? 3D's favorite is: "Can 50,000,000 Gauls Be Wrong?" Anyway, I digress.

Snelling does ´The Beanery´ over and over, but goes even further. The Kienholz piece is possible to walk into. But the objects that Snelling has made are miniatuires of various types of buildings like a cheap motel; a greasy spoon diner; a dilapidated house and so on. She not only designs and builds these structures, but creates a surrounding environment like the yard surrounding it AND the interior. The latter is meticulously conceived with "real life" scenarios taking place: a table set for dinner; a sink filled with dirty dishes; a flood. Flood? Damn right. It appears to be in the basement of the house and the water is in motion. She makes use of modern technology by including miniature TV screens in some of the structures. One piece, titled, "Bad Motel," is for working prostitutes and we see standing behind the doorway one of the hookers promoting her trade: hips wiggling, breast bouncing, and all done with flittering eyes.

A few of the structures also have "neon" signs. Well, they are not real neon signs, but a very close facsimility. The lights are bright, flashing and gaudy. Then there is the doormat to "The Lost Cafe" that reads: "Oh shit it's not you again." A very good opening for a "new" gallery. Go, Cokkie, go! (35x50x10 cms., @ 4,500 euro; 113x63x40 cms., @ 7,500; 138x87x61 cms., @ 12,500 euro.) Until 10th May. www.cokkiesnoei.nl

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Michael Wolf's show is titled, "The Transparent City," at Galerie W. van Leeuwen (Hazenstraat 27). Chicago...that great city! You don't always get what you expect; and this is true about this show. 3D describes Chi Town as a museum of 20th century architecture. He expected to see the tall buildings rising majestically against the background of Lake Michigan. What he got instead was a more conceptual representation of the city's architecture. Wolf's concern is more for the linear aspects of the buildings and the grids that form the city's street map and often looking at it all at night with the thousands of lights emitting from office towers and street lamps. One photograph titled, "The Transparent City," illustrates several iconic examples of the city's architecture along the Chicago River. It is spectacular. (100x125 cms., all are C-prints, Ed. 9, @ 6,900 euro.) Until 16th May. www.woutervanleeuwen.com

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You will love this show or hate it...anyway, one person I talked with said everything was terrible and a pretty young lady said she wished she had the money to buy three or four different pieces. You can go for yourself and make up your own mind. It is all happening at GALERIE GABRIEL ROLT (Elandsgracht 34) for Shezad Dawood and his exhibition titled, "MONTANA." It was in that western American state that Dawood shot his film "FEATURE." His paintings are actually the "story board" to the script. He took out his paint brushes and set up the scene or frame he wanted to achieve. His paintings are on a black background and his stroke work is very quick and the technique sketchy somewhat like Francis Bacon. The film is described as a "chaotic zombie Western." And indeed we see the duel horns of a steer in white neon light; the tops of two wooden cofins; and the photography appears to be scenes from the film. Perhaps the press release says it all: "One sees in Dawood's work an irreverent, often ludicrous, pick and mix of cliches, heroes, historical figures and religious signs and motifs---miscast, misused, misinterpreted." And why not? Damn, forgot to check the price list. Until 16th May. www.gabrielrolt.com

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GALERIE ROB KOUDIJS (Elandsgracht 12) is showing the work of Ted Noten who is "Haunted by 36 Women." In 2002, he was awarded first prize for the design of a "Tiara for Maxima." Well, when you see the work that might come as a big surprise. You would expect the future Dutch queen to lean towards the traditional and conventional modes of "tiara" fashion. Noten's exhibition is devoid of the ordinary; especially the objects. One example of the latter is a real sink with all the attachments and written on it is, "Don't touch." From the tap of the sink there is what looks like a spray of water but it has been configured from a collection of "gemstones" like pieces. There is also a fencer's epee---the long and slender sword which could conceivable be worn as a necklace if one's head is small enogh to fit through the large circular loop attached to it. Then there is the chocolate piece...but that's another story. Aside from the bizaar there is jewelry on display which is meant to be used to adorn the body. He ranges from the conceptual to the almost traditional like the three rings that appear to be interlocking chains. The objects are offered at 6,000 to 12,000 euro. Broaches @ 175 euro; rings for: 300, 400, 950 and 9,500 euro.) SEVEN red dots at opening. Until 23rd May. www.galerierobkoudijs.nl

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Sunday:

VIP's International Art Gallery (Spiegelgracht 8) is showing the photographic work of Pattie Boyd who is an icon in the world of Rock & Roll having been the inspiration for such songs as "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight." She had been married to George Harrison during the height of Beatlemania, during the 60s, but was wooed away by Eric Clapton. Some would have called her a "groupie" but that designation is meant more to describe the "birds" that flocked around the rock stars offering only their bodies for the chance to ride on the band's bus. Then there were the exceptions like Yoko Ono and Linda Eastman who had talent in art and/or music; and you can add Pattie Boyd's name to this latter list. Like Linda, she came with camera in hand.

In this show, the work ranges across 40+ years. Those from the 60s and 70s are in b/w for the most part and captures the Beatles or the Rolling Stones or their individual members at leisure and in intimate poses in their own enviroments. At one point she turned to color film and she uses the medium well. As to the quality of the work there is a slow evolution. The early work are candid shots where she is surreptious in snapping the shot. Later, she comes to the point of posing her subject. Her composition range from traditional to the unusual.

Her most recent work, on exhibit here, consist of landscapes, seascapes and architectural motifs and all are in color. She now has a better feel for the art of photography than back in the sixities and this makes the scenes radiate. The most recent work, 2008, is of tulips. Both appear to have been enhanced with PhotoShop and as a result they have a almost surreal quality to them. (50zx32 cms., Lambda print; Ed. 50, 1,800 euro; 60x40 cms., Lambda print; Ed. open @ 775 euro; 40x28 cms., Fibre Print; Ed. 50 @ 1,800 euro; 70x50 cms., Fibre print, Ed. 25 @ 2,500 euro; 30x40 cms., Ciclee, Ed. 10 750 euro. Most price include the frame.) Until 17th May. www.vipsart.nl

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At the VK Gallery (Ceintuurbaan 264) was a party celebrating Yuri Gagarin's trip into space in 1961. There was a take away "proclamation"that came rolled up in a 35mm plastic film holder. It read: "'I see the earth, it's sooo Beautiful' (Yuri Gagarin) 12th April 2009: Easter Eggs; Easter Bunnies; Easter Wine: Easter Bread; Easter Speeches; Easter Flowers; Easter Love-ins; Easter Music; Easter Furniture Boulevards; Easter Car-shows; Easter Markets; 'So, what the fu*k is the bearded man nailed to the wooden CROSS doing there; Let's turn religion into ART; Climb into your HEAD; And create SPACE without a fart; AQ's Easterword.'" Okay. This was a birthday party for someone and the exhibition was not the focal point. However, you couldn't miss it.

This is an artist gallery. The artist, Victoria Kovalenchickova, uses the space as an atelier and hangs her work as well. the imagery consists of landscapes, cityscapes and bouquets of flowers. But none of those terms describe to you what you will see. Her technique is intense, structured and layered in a meticulous pattern. The final product is bascially figurative expressionism, but sometimes without much color which is what we generally expect from that school. A diptych is a compositon in shades of gray and silver. We see trees reflected in a iced-over pond. It is dramatic and colorful while being devoid of any color. The beauty of ice and snow. She also has two flower paintings on display. There is a sense of Odeon Redon's flower paintings in both pieces but it is not in the colors but more the composition and intensity of brush strokes. Good work. She has had, since 1997, 35 solo/exhibitions in Belarus, Switzerland, Germany, I taly, Belgium, the Netherlands and Russia. Sorry, Forgot to ask about prices. Until __?__. www.vkgallery.nl

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WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

Reminder: Sometimes you will see (?) which means that the info may be wrong; and sometimes you will also see an "*" that signifies that the times listed could be inaccurate. You are advised to click-on to the gallery's web-site address (provided---free of charge---when available) or call them and tell 'em "3D don't know. Do you?"

THURSDAY: 16th April, 2009

17-19:00 WGKUNST @ Stadsdeel Oud-West (Kwakkerstrat 3). "Reflected Truth," by Chantal Sion. Figurative expresionism. No web-site info.

17:00 Prints & The Revolution (Nes 84). Five artists. www.printsandtherevolution.com

20:00 agentur: in transit (VKG, Wibautstraat 150). "Lanskip Cycle," This is "A video screening with introductory talk," by Rebecca Birch (UK) and Charles Danby (UK). They have "...constructed it as a sequence of short video pieces, the cycle explores the structural and visual language of life and relief." FREE. www.agentur.nl

Various times & dates (15th to 26th April) Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival which will bring you "fantasy, horror and sci-fi." Here is an example of what to expect: "Stingray Sam" (USA, 2009), by Cory McAbee, is "A musical space-western miniseries created for mobile phones." On the 20th of April, McAbee will present a master class. And, maybe, the film will be repeated. On Wednesday, the 15th April, Galerie Gabriel Rolt sponsored the showing of "Feature" which is described as "a chaotic zombie Western." Sorry about the very late notice, but 3D didn't get the invite until Tuesday the 14th. More info: www.imaginefilmfestival.nl

FRIDAY: 17th April

11-17:00 BOVENS (Kerkstraat 78). Modern Art Auction. Viewing days also Sat and Sun same times. The hammer starts hammering at 19:30, Tuesday, the 21st. www.bovens.biz/Catalogus23.pdf

18-20:00 LUX PHOTO GALLERY (Postjeweg 1). Ilse Schrama, photography. Three themes: Children, nature and world religion. www.luxphotogallery.com

19:00 NIMk (Keizersgracht 264). Book-Launch: Art and Electronic Media. There will also be "...discussion, performance and celebration," with Edward Shanken, Annet Dekker, Yolande Harris and DJ Sniff. FREE. RSVP: info@nimk.nl. More info: www.nimk.nl

17-20:00 S.A. Societe Anonymous (Paul van Vlissinenstraat 2B). Venessa de Gruijter. No web-site address on invite.

18-22:00 De Kraijenhoff (Kraijenhoffstraat 34). "Project 13 van Artless nodigt u uit voor de groepsexpositie." No web-site on invite.

19:30 De Service Garage (Stephensonstraat 16). "Lezingen van Bart Rutten and Krijn de Koning," plus an exhibition for Danitsja van Dijk. www.deservicegarage.nl

SPECIAL:19 to Midnight, "1646" (Boekhorstraat 125, Den Haag) is a gallery, in The Hague, and they have sent 3D a very special invitation to attend this day's opening. So he will be making one of his rare trips into the country's hinterland to experience the joys of how the rest of the Netherlands live. It is a surprise that the 3D List is read in Den Haag; perhaps the city isn't as unsophisticated and is more cosmopolitan than has been assumed. The artist showing is Michele Matyn in an exhibition titled, `Boterknieen.` www.enter1646.com

SATURDAY: 18th April

12-18:00 Open Ateliers Zeeburg (Central Exposition at Stayokay Hotel, Timorplein 17 or 21). A total of 105 artists will open their studio doors to you. www.openatelierszeeburg.nl

15:00 Lloyd Hotel (Oostelijke Handelskade 34, Room 28). MARATHON PIANO CONCERT featuring the compositions of Ravel. A total of 14 pianist will participate. FREE. Here is an anecdote about the man: George Gershwin was visiting Paris, in the early 30s, and stopped to see Ravel. He said to him, "I would like to study under you!" Ravel stared back at him an asked, "Mr Gershwin, how much money did you make last year?" this was the great depression so after Gershwin replied, "$250,000," Ravel said, "I think I should take lessons from you!" And their music plays on. www.scarbomusica.nl

16:00 Willem Kerseboom Gallery (Leidsegracht 38). "A Family Story," a group show of six Chinese artists: Yin Kun, Yin Yun, Liu Hui, Lao Ma, Zeng Hua Rong, Lai Xiao Ping. www.kerseboom.com

16-19:00 GALERIE RONMANDOS (Prinsengracht 282). "BIO-SHOCK," by Artists Anonymous. This is a "family" affair with its members living and working in both Berlin and London. Hey, the show's theme may fit very well with the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival, to wit: "Encroaching into every inch of the 350 square meter Gallery...this installation will consist of an array of different surreal scenes...." Bring your own acid! Paintings, photographs and light-boxes. Oh yeah, there is an after-part at Nitro Club and the invite says to contact the gallery for more info. 3D did, but no answer at this writing. www.ronmandos.nl

17-19:00 Annet Gelink Gallery (Lairierstraat 187). Dan McCarthy, In The Bakery; Keith Mayersom. www.annetgelink.com

17-19:00 VERVERS: modern art gallery (Hazenstraat 54). Liesje Reyskens, studied Media and design and finished in 2007. This is her photography. www.verversgalllery.blogspot.com

17-19:00 Gallery WM (Elandsgracht 35). Edward Silhol, photographs; and Damien Thoumas, audio enviroment, "New World Hereos." Well, check-out the web-site before seeing the show. Not only is there more info, but poetry and "philosophy," too. It will enhance the meaning of the work. www.gallerywm.com

17-19:00 RudolfV (Kerkstraat 427). Charlotte Lugt, mixed technique; Jan Verschueren, assemblages; Steve White, paintings; Petra de Nijs, photography. www.rudolfv.com

20:00 P///AKT & agentur: in transit (Zeeburgerpad 53) present "PASSING THE PAST," by Annja Krautgasser (Austria). This is a selection of video works by an "agentur: in transit" artist-in-residence. The works were influenced, originally, by the building in which she has an atelier: De Volkskrantgebouw. After realizing that until not so long ago, The Wibautstraat had been the Fleet Street of Amsterdam she decided to revisit the various buildings that made up the Dutch publishing world. Expect a conceptual view of "the street." The videos will be on show until 26th April, 14-18:00 Thursday-Sunday. More info www.annjakrautgasser.net; www.agentur.nl

SUNDAY: 19th April

12-18:00 Open Ateliers Zeeburg (see Saturday for more info).

13:00 RETORT PROJECTS (Aalsmeerweg 103). "Poëzie en Muziek," Diana Ozon and SOEP: Kim Soepnel and band. www.retortproject.nl

15:00Gallery Goda (Weteringschaans 69). Miklos Somos, paintings; Gyula Somos, paintings; Lászeló Mátyássy, sculpture. All are Hungarian artists. www.goda.nl

(?) 15:00* Galerie Jos Art (KNSM-Laan 291). Zandra Harms and Harold Schouten. www.josart.nl

17-19:00 Galerie Bel-Etage (Prinsengracht 1097A). Kees Admirall, paintings; expect linear abstractions. On Friday, 1st May, there is a "lunchpauze-concerten," from 12:30-13:00. www.bel-etage.nl

17:00 PuntWG (M. v. B. Bastiaansestraat 15). JOMO is a duo of Mary Oliver (USA) and Johanna Varner (Germany) performing improvised music on a chello and violin. FREE. www.puntwg.nl

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MONDAY: 20th April

21:00 Lloyd Hotel (See address above under Saturday). This is the "Month of Philosophy" in Amsterdam and the Lloyd is scanning African philosophical thought. Dr Murray Hofmeyer "is a South African philosopher who explores the qualities of Ubuntu---the African community-based philosophy---for combatting poverty. FREE.

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Send donations to support the production of the 3D List to: PB 15541, 1001NA Amsterdam.

Hmmm...read that last sentence over and over. Please. But, I disgress. Today the temperature is over 20 degrees and the trees are suddenly all in the color of green. Strange about the color green. It isn't really that much liked. Look at paintings and more times than not there isn't much green in the composition. Mondrian loothed the color which may account for the fact that during his Naturalistic period he painted night scenes. Nor is green an element in his linear abstractions. And how many national flags have the color of green? Only the Irish seem to have an appreciation for it. However, with this said, green is busting out all over and looks ever so lovely. Check it out yourself as you ride the bike on the way to an art gallery this wekend. You'll thank 3D for pointing it out...and getting you out of your chainr and out of the house to see it.

...And there he goes. Who? The one with the green hair...the Green Hornet...the green with envy lover of art...without a green thumb to his hand....and whose afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue? Why the Green Party! Who else...Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm