The "3D List": Art activities in Amsterdam, October 5th

By Daniel R. Gould

The "3D List" is a compilation of art activities taking place in Amsterdam during a one week period. Listed under the rubric "What Is Happening This Week" are the locations and times of exhibitions at galleries, art spaces and museums.

In addition, the section "What You Missed Last Week" previews opening shows at galleries, art spaces and museums that took place the previous week.

3D List: Week #6

INTRODUCTION: Here is what is happening with the '' 3D List' You can now access the list at www.agentur.nl and www.hostels-amsterdam.nl Also, on Thursday, 11th October, I will make my first appearance on the radio program 'English Breakfast.' Tune in at 8:00 (that's morning) to 99.4 FM, Salto Radio and save on eye strain by listening to my pearly comments resonate from somewhere deep inside.

Is this going to be a good selling year for Amsterdam galleries? At this point, the indicators are mixed. Strong sales at a few galleries and not many at the majority. Hey, that ain't good!!! The employment rate is at a high point and while there may be a recession ahead for the US of A, there is no reason for Europe to be pulled into the same quagmire. Someone did mention that when the American economy sneezes even once, the Dutch snap their purses shut and put on a pad lock. Hey, again, that ain't nice!!! We can only save the economy by continuing to consume. Instead of an oil, make it an aquarelle! Forget the Ferrari and by a Mini. Simple formula.

INDEX:

Bits & Pieces:

Review:: Cobra Museum; FOAM

What You Missed Last Week:

What Is Happening This Week::

BITS & PIECES:

ATTENTION: Again, 3D needs a work space urgently.

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I am sure that those who read the 3D List know of the death of Marcel Marceau, the great French mime. In one article, I read, it said that he also talked about a system of notation he was developing for mime, similar to musical notation, that would be read by performers in future. When asked why a video of a mime performance would not suffice, he mused in response: ''

Would a video of a performance of Beethoven' 9th Symphony suffice for musicians in the future?' Well put.

He appeared at my university when I was there. At the time, few in America knew who he was. There were less than 50 people in the audience. I, for one, was mesmerized by his performance.

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I have had a press release from 'frieze,' the English art magazine. It says, 'For a limited time users can access the complete archive of frieze magazine covering 16 years [of articles] the new site features over 300 exclusive online-only articles every year.'

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I received a response to my item on the Hunchback of the Coded Cinema. It now appears that my encounter was not unique. Luis F.'s comment was a little over 500 words long, so I have taken the liberty of selective quotations. He

writes: 'Just read about the Hunchback of the Coded Cinema... and had a weal laugh of recognition. I went to the Coded Cinema a few times over the last month...and I too have had several encounters with the Hunchback...One time he approached me babbling something or other that I didn't quite understand...[After] several questions he stopped the questioning and fast fell asleep, snoring like a garbage truck...After a few visits to the Coded Cinema it became increasingly clear that he had installed himself there...I figured the guy would eventually leave, become a ghost or simple decompose.

[And] it seems more people are experiencing the Coded Cinema Encounter, not all of them as easy going as mine...The smell you refer to, it...s not quite human, that can only be the smell of his brain being colonized by mushrooms and metabolized down to a stinking pulp...With the presence of the Hunchback I've grown a bit wary of the Coded Cinema...You never know when a confrontation with a person in this mental state might take you. Maybe nowhere, maybe the hospital, maybe the grave...The truth is that so far I haven...t done anything about this other than stopping any visits to the Coded Cinema and writing this silly [sic] email...Hopefully someone will see the tragic story here...Reality is often stranger than fiction...'

That last sentence reminds me of something Mark Twain, an American 19th century writer, said: 'In writing fiction you must always be creditable. In writing non-fiction, you don't have to worry about it.'

***

I had an invite from the Design Academy. The Int. Herald Tribune, in an article, of about two or so years ago, called it the best design academy in the world. High praise. But that designation seems to have went to their head; there is an entrance charge of €10. This is what they have to say about this years exhibition: 'More than 150 graduates of the past academic year present their graduation projects in an exhibition of phenomenal sophistication and striking mystery.' The dates for this fantastic happening are the 20th to 26th of October. www.designacademy.nl ; e-maul: info@designacademy.nl

REVIEW: CHINA NOW: art in a time of change.

Critics of Chinese and, until 15 years ago, Japanese economic prosperity accused each of being great 'copiers.' They could copy the innards of a TV and radio, an automobile or any other technical gadget and do it cheaper and, generally, better. But, when it came to originality, nothing!

Two Amsterdam galleries, Serieuze Zaken Studioos and Canvas Art International have specialized in exhibiting artists from Asia. More often than not, I have been surprised by the quality of the work not to mention its originality. However, CHINA NOW, which opened at the Cobra Museum on the 29th of September (until 27th January) is a real eye opener. There are 40 artist showing 75 works; they are all from the avant-garde scene and the curator is Feng Boyi who is 'a prime mover in the developments connected with contemporary Chinese art.' The majority of the work comes from the collection of Essl Museum, a private institution, in Klosterneuburg/Vienna.

Where to begin? Perhaps with the word that sums up the exhibition, which is:

FANTASTIC!!!

You have probably read newspaper articles about contemporary Chinese artists selling, at auction, for over a €1,000,000 work done by them in the late 90s. Here is your chance to see why people are paying such prices for canvases where the oil has still to dry.

I will spotlight only a handful of artist. I have selected those that in some way are unique in their work and not derivative to any western artist I am acquainted with. Yin Xiuzhen makes 'portable cities' by constructing these miniature cityscapes in suitcases. She uses old clothes and other fabric material to make the buildings of the skyline, For Amsterdam, the 'buildings' stand about five cms high and the Westertoren about 30 cms and the Palace, at the Dam, stands at a staggering 10 cms high. There is the red light district and we know this because the houses sit on a swatch of red cloth. Amsterdam is connected to another suitcase that represents Amstelveen. The latter, rests on lots of green cloth. This is the distinction the artist sees between the two cities, more greenery in the smaller city. And there is audio emitting from each suitcase with a tape playing the sounds of that particular city which also include: Vienne, Guanhzou, Lisbon, Wellington and Berlin. Overhead, are several strings that traverse the space, reflecting air routes, and connected to cities named on each of three walls which represent Europe, Asia and North America.

Liu Jianhua has made a ceramic installation. There are several hundred pieces (in off white) representing hats, purses, hot water bottles, jet planes, a skull, motorcycle helmet, teddy bear and more. Truly eclectic.

Liu Wei's 'Landscape No 1-4' are a series of four b/w photographs of what look like parts of the bodyג' anatomy, specifically joints. We see flies and mosquitoes here and there. But the imagery does reflect, in a way, some of the dramatic landscape of the Chinese wilderness.

Zeng Fanzhi, 'Snow,' (about 1.5x2 meters) is a representational portrait that has been made into an abstraction on one side of the composition and on the other side several charactures. Xu Bings's, 'Magic Carpet: #1,' is a hand woven 6x6 meter carpet decorated with Chinese characters. I am sure if we could read them, there would be more to the story. I liked the 100 Chinese hand fans that hung from the ceiling to just a few centimetres above the floor. A good study in conceptual redundancy. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a name tag identifying the artist.

Chi Peng is a photographer that uses computer enhancement to create his imagery. 'Sprinting Forward 1, 2, & 3.ג' are thematic photos. In each, we see jets planes, in red, and naked men. Both in motion against different city backgrounds. Hai Bo shows a photographic diptych. The one, on the left, in b/w, is of 16 young woman. The one, on the right, in color, is of the same 16 people perhaps 20 years later. Great idea. Bai Yiluo's 'People,'

is a triptych. In the first photo we see a stack of portrait photos forming a small pyramid. In the middle photo the pyramid is a fire. And, in the last, there are the ashes of the burned photos. Another unusual photo work is a collage of about 200 passport size photographs arranged together. But from a distance, of about five meters, we see five large 'portrait'

photographs superimposed over the rest.

Hong Hao, 'My Thing Book-keeping of 04-05 B, 2006,' is a color photo of a very large collage made with ephemera labels which are both western and Chinese in origin. From a Chinese Budweiser label (the background design is different than the western version) to a Chinese Durex condom package, where only the brand name is in western script, with candy wrappers in between.

There is also the more traditional styles of paintings as exemplified by Jing Kewen 'Together.' Kitschy, but pleasing. Neon colors in the style of the realist painters of Mao's time. Li Song Song 'Wish for Longevity' is what I would describe as contemporary impressionistic style. Cui Guotai'

'Big Airplane' is a b/w painting.

I have saved the work at the entrance, to the show, for last. As we walk up the stairs, of the Cobra, we see full size plaster bodies of people hanging above us. I assume, since I could not find a name tag, that this is the work of Fang Lijun whose work dominates the start of the exhibit. He does ALL techniques. There are two oversized canvases, one which measures about five by four meters and labelled as an oil in three parts. While both are representational---in that we can identify people, flowers, the sky, the sea---the colors and composition make both paintings somewhat abstract. He also hangs four wood block scrolls each about three meters high. This is a Chinese printing technique that goes back nearly 4,000 years. To make them more interesting, they are done in several shades of gray. Fang Lijun also has sculpted and cast 16 iron, aluminium, gold leafed heads supported by iron rod poles. It is all the same 'head,' however each has a different expression and is in a different size.

After seeing this show you will never accuse Chinese artist of copying western styles. For sure, you will see the influences from the west, but they have done it their way...and have done it very well.

There is a wide variety of work ranging from paintings and images to installations, photographs and new media. On sale are lithos and silk screens. Hang Hao silkscreen measuring 25x59 cms., @ €3,997. And Wang Guangyl 50x40 silkcreen, ed 199, @ €2,837 and 'Coca Cola,' ed. 199. 73x69 cms., €5,764.

There is also a catalog, in both Dutch and English. Unfortunately, the press was not given a copy for review. However, we were offered a 25% discount off the €29.95 price. Hey, if someone pays me to write these reviews maybe I can buy the catalog and review that for you as well.

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FOAM opened the exhibition titled 'Inside Out: photos from Amsterdam collections and archives.' This is a collection of 'portrait' photographs culled from the collections' of the Stedelijk, Rijksmuseum, Maria Austria Institute and Amsterdam Municipal Archive. I emphasize the word 'portrait'

because we generally think that the term describes someone sitting for a photograph to give to their parents, children or grandparents; or to use for promotional purposes like the company' magazine or a simple calling card.

However, the exceptional portrait photography results from the work of a master photographer that seeks out his subjects. In this show, there are a number of themes: social class, work, youth, the counter culture and ethnic diversity.

Nearly all examples are from 1945. And the big names are all represented: Ed van de Elsken, Bertien van Manen, Cor Jaring, Paul Huf, Raimond Wouda, Eva Besny, et al.

Cor Jaring hangs five b/w photos from a series he did during the 60s; the subject matter was 'Laborers.' The quality of the work is equal to Walker Evans' series of the hill people of America's Appalachia and the close up work of Paul Strand. Max Natkiel did the counter culture in the early 80s.

The work is provocative and sometime jarring.

Lee To Sang is not a house hold name even to photographers. He had a studio in De Pijp and photographed the locals who came from a diverse ethnic background. He, himself, is Chinese. The photos are colourful and kitschy.

He used backdrops of Alpine scenes or a plain drape or a table with a vase holding a bouquet of flowers.

One photo by Paul Huf will come as a surprise to those who know his work from his pin-ups and LP covers is titled 'Aunt Stijn, Jordaan Amsterdam, 1997.' A lady, about 70 years old, is sitting in her living room which could be at a museum design exhibition for kitschy rooms. There is also a photo of Johnny Jordaan and Willi Alberti by Nico van der Stam in a living room that looks like a more costly version of Aunt Stijns.

A good show. Until 5th December. www.foam.nl

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WHAT YOU MISSED LAST WEEK:

Thursday:

agentur...the floating gallery, showed next door to the Arti. Humberto Duque, a Mexican artist, mounted an exhibition under the title:

steamenginechorus. First, he makes the drawing. This he converts into a decal. He then attaches the decal to the wall in a long line that meanders along three walls. The representations differ from human like figures to a volcanic like hole and some of the same images are repeated from four to eight times. You can see it as a conceptual narrative or add your own personal story line. If you didn't go, you missed it! Be warned, agentur's exhibitions have a short life span only a matter of days and, poof, it over

and done with. www.agentur.nl P.S. They need a

space for four days starting with the 14th of October. Contact at: welcome@agentur.nl

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Friday:

A new gallery, ART X POSE: modern art gallery (Keizersgracht 820) exhibited the Norwegian (lives in Amsterdam) artist Espen Greger Hagen. I bought a mixed media piece of his over 15 years ago and it was good to see that there has been an evolution in his style but that he has remained true to his original concepts. There are two themes that predominate in the show: The American Indian and The Chorus Line. The latter is exemplified in several ways. In one painting there are nine naked ladies sitting with their backside towards us on barstools. In another, there are five ladies in a chorus like line dressed identically and against an array of colors which transforms the composition into a near abstraction. Hagen has two basic painting techniques: doing it fast and taking it slow. One exceptional portrait is of Jimi Hendrix. I said to him, that it was outstanding and I could see that he took his time at making it. WRONG. 'I did it real fast.

One of my fastest!' Oh, well, what do I know? www.artxpose.nl ; e-mail: floyd@artxpose.nl

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Another floating gallery didn't start out that way. The Kattenbak was first located, at a squat, on the Spuistraat. This year it has been mutating.

First there was an opening at a very raw store front in the east and, last week, they showed at a location in the Red Light district (I won't bother writing in the address since the showed opened on the 28th and closed on the

30th.) A total of 31 artist were represented. I made a few notes of things that just stood out for some reason. Floor Weseling hangs three posters that I describe as a homage to Edgar Allan Poes poem ''The Raven.' Each is a variation on the theme. Nina Boas makes nice simple b/w pen and ink drawings. Cathelijn van Goor (I reviewed her a few weeks ago) does her thing again. Eva Navarro Martinez exhibited abstract linear oils. There were several diverse and interesting videos. www.kattenbak.org

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Saturday:

KochXBos (Eerste Anjeliersdwaarsstraat 5) hung photos by Marjo van den Boomen, 'With Arms Wide Open, #2.' At first glance, the photos look like group shots. I woman buying something, women and children in a room, a clothing shop with mothers and kids. But if you look closely and begin to study them certain things become apparent. Where we see the woman buying something, we see several boxes on shelves each of which seem to hold a 'baby.' Is it a real baby or a baby doll or symbolic of something totally different? The women we see in a room with children , 'Happy Hour,' are drinking beer and wine and holding what looks like fishing poles from which dangle packages of potato chips. And, the woman and kids in a clothing store? Well, the kids, all four of them, are in a metal basket and there is a sign on the side that reads: 'SALE.' Van den Boomen explained that the central theme is that nearly everyone wants children, but some of the reasons are no more profound than buying the latest in fashion. So the show is about children and some of the reasons for procreation. And, see, you thought it was all about SEX. The prices are reasonable...if you hurry. All photos are €420 NOW (ed. 20; 70x90 cms), but after two of any one edition are sold, the price increases by €40 and, again, after the sale of two more, €40 is added on. So, hurry, already! Procrastination is costly. Until 10th November. www.kochxbos.nl ; e-mail:

gallery@kochxbos.nl

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GALERIE bart (Bloemgracht 2) displayed the work of Freerk Wieringa. There are six computer composed prints. Three are b/w representations of flowers and butterflies. The other three are also flowers with butterflies but a splash of color. The main work are castings that are both figurative and conceptual. A jet airplane that seems to be melting like a chocolate bar; a banana (looking very phallic) is supported, erect, by its folded skins likes the legs of a table. In the front window is the head of King Kong?

From the rear we see the mechanics of hydraulics with hoses leading into the table it sits on. But, that is where the apparatus stops. I asked Wieringa about it and he said it was a work in progress. Eventually, the gorilla will be animated. Can't wait. Anyone know where we can reach Fay Wray? Until 3rd November. www.galeriebart.nl ; info@galeriebart.nl.

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Galerie Smits (Fokke Simonzsttraat 29) hung the paintings of Aad Berlijn.

These acrylics on canvas are busy, busy and more busy. He creates an abstract background and then adds---over it---figurative elements: a man, a horse, several faces (in several forms) which create tension. He selects strong and assertive colors and each painting has a different grouping.

Until 24th October. www.galeriesmits.nl ; e-mail: contact@galeriesmits.nl

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Sunday:

Another 24/7 'gallery' has been added to the Amsterdam scene. It is an intermittent one to be sure. Located at the Stopera (Waterlooplein) it stretches about 100 meters plus. There are 100 photographs which illuminate the bottom of the sea. About 15 years ago, I read an article that said we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the bottom of the sea. That may or may not still be true. Robotic submarines have been revealing secret after secret of the life so alien to ours at the bottom of the world's oceans. The photographer, Dos Winkel, is rather unusual too. He is an orthopaedic physical therapist and a medical writer who has a great passion for nature, especially the underwater variety. The large scale prints, on display, often illustrate creatures no more than a few centimetres long. We see the exotic fish and living coral; both of which have become endangered for various reasons. Most helpful are the texts that explains more about the subject matter. The show is a great learning experience for both adults and children. And, remember, you can see it 24 hours a day (each piece is lit at night) any day of the week. Do a Holly Golightly buy a croissant, a cup of coffee, and do the show in sections before trudging off to the rat race. There is a catalog in three languages:

Dutch, English and Italian. The regular price is €28, but during the exposition, and at the site, it is available at only €14. Also, a DVD slide show of the exhibit @ €19.95 and a film DVD for €12. www.planet-ocean.org . www.dos-bertie-winkel.com

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Jaski Art Gallery (Nieuw Spiegelstraat 29) exhibited work by Karl Appel.

There are 29 lithos and silk screens available. The latter, for the most part, is what you have come to expect of Appel. However, the oils, mixed media and drawings are some times exceptional work. Especially the mixed media piece 'Femme Volante' (from the collection of the Martha Jackson Gallery, NYC) which is a very nice abstract and the composition is not typical of other Appel' work. Self portrait silk screens from 1979, ed 300, @ €850. Other prints from €2,750-3,500. The original pieces range from €18,000 to 80,000. Until 14th October. www.jaski.nl ; e-mail: info@jaski.nl

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Monday:

Binnen, the design gallery (Keizersgracht 82) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a group show. What we see is a little of everything: a paper dress, several unique chairs, vases, lighting, textiles, cupboards and so on. The work is all relatively recent since about the year 2000. I liked Dick van Hoff's contemporary desk lamps with the retro influence. Fons Kooyman exhibited three brushed metal cubes with their inner service painted blue. Martin Visser and Joke van der Heyden's aluminium chair is rather elegant in its simplicity. Madeleine Bosscher's three clocks are pure kitsch. You will love them or hate them! Actually, I think anyone of them would stand out in a room with a minimal design pattern. There is a nicely designed catalog available at €6.

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WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

REMINDER: When you see (?) it means that my source is not reliable and that I have not been able to verify the info by checking the gallery's web-site; and I do go through the extra trouble. The "* " indicates that the time given may or may not be correct. Phone ahead.

THURSDAY: 4th October

16:30 VU, 'Exposorium 1967-2007, 40 years of art policy of the Free University.' And there is music.

(?)17-19:00 Melkweg Photo Galerie, Marnixstraat 409 (enter via cafe © Jo's).

MariaMaria [sic].

19-01:00 'Cosmic Mania 2007,' Wibautstraat 150 (De Volkskrantgebouw). It was

on the 4th of October, 1957 @ 22:28, that Sputnik, the first artificial

satellite, achieved orbit. This is a happening at several locations in De

Volkskrantgebouw. A sample of what you will expererince: 'Cosmic games,

alien expo, cosmic thee room, cosmic ateliers, cosmodrome crossover cassette

party [is that anything like cross-dressing?] aliens disco, cosmic bip and

many more.' WOW, fly me to the moon and let me play amongst the stars...what

is life like on Jupiter, Mars and the Wibautstraat? Now's the time to find

out!

20:30 Media Matic, Oosterdokskade 5. 'Streets of memory-Roads to

Connectivity.' This event 'focuses on the personal stories of Baghdad,

brought to you by artist, writers and bloggers.'

FRIDAY: 5th October 2007

FRIDAY: 5th October 2007-10-03

17-19:00, WGKUNST, Marius van Vouwdijk Bastiaansestraat 28. 'Model A:

Alexandra Hageman, Els Staal and Pascale de Backer.'

17-21:00 De Chielllerie, Raamsgracht 58. The overview exposition for Open

Ateliers Nieuwmarkt which is on Saturday and Sun day from 12-18:00 at

various locations.

17-19:00 MLB, Witte de Withstraat 32B. 'Kleine Wereld' by Jokuh A.S. At

17:30 Rapper/Dichter MOHS.

20:00 Gallery Goda, Weterschaans 69(?) Sietse Bakker, avant-garde; Olga

Okuneva, graphic work; Amiran Djanashvili, paintings.

SATURDAY: 6th October

12-18:00 Open Atelier Route for de Baarsje. To see overview go to the

Sieraad at Postjeweg 1. Also on Sunday. www.stadskunst.nl

15-18:00 Borzo, Keizersgracht 516. Work of Auke de Vries. He makes

fascinating abstract objects which can hang on the wall or from the

ceiling. Works on paper---often a design for an object---will also be on

display. www.borzo.com

16-18:00 Royal Gallery, Koningsstraat 37. Paola Innocenti, oil paintings.

www.amsterdamroyalgallery.com

16:00-18:00 Galerie Mokum, Oudezijds Voorburgwaal 334. Paintings by Robert

BVorstman and Henk Helmantel. Representational art. www.galeriemokum.com

16-18:00 AYACS, Keizeresgracht 166. 'Local Ground,' Anneke Wilbrink.

www.ayacs.nl

16-18:00 De Praktijk, Lauriergracht 96. Paul van Dongen, Works on paper;

Bas Meerman, paintings. www.depraktijk.nl

(?)16:00* SBK Amsterdam Zuid, van Eeghenstraat 59. Karin Bos.

(?)16-18:00 Art A Casa, Kerkstraat 411. 'De Bloemerjes Buiten Zetten,'

Andrea Letterie. From the reproductions, pictured on the invite, this looks

like very good representational work. www.artacasa.nl

17-19:00 Matsumoto Gallery, solo exhibition for Hidenori Mitsue. From the

invite, I'm fascinated by his style. Can't wait to see it live and

in-person.

(?)17-19:00* Ferdinand van Dieten-de Eendt, Raamsteeg 2. '20 Year Group

Show.' 13 Artist showing. www.dieten.eu

17-19:00 Arps&Co. Gallery @ Prince's Cellar, Dikker & Thijs Fenice Hotel.

Prinsengracht 438. Photogrpahy by Jacqueline Dersjant. RSVP @

ella.arps@gmail.com

SUNDAY: 7th October

14-17:00 PS, Leidsekade 60. Paul Morrison. www.psprojectspace.nl

15-16:00 De Oude Kerk, Joke Kegel in 'Art Moves.'

15:30 AdK, Prinsengracht 534. Mai van Oers and Anne Marie Spijker,

paintings.

15:00 Galerie Clement, Prinsengracht 843. Ronald Tolman, paintings and

sculpture. 'Ik kan alles maken waar ik nieuwsgierig naar ben.' What is he

trying to tell me? www.galerie-clement.nl

16:00, galerie 'EEWAL' Amsterdam, Czaar Peterstraat 153. Erna Anema,

paintings objects and ג€sierden.ג€

WEDNESDAY: 10th October

16-19:00 Serieuze Zaken Studioos, Bilderdijkstraat 66. 'Lou Reed's New

York,' 'De kunsrenaar is aanwezig en zal uitsluiten op de opening het boek

Lou Reed's New York signeren.' What does that mean? Perhaps we have a

chance to 'Walk on the Wild Side' with the Man HIMSELF. I bought an LP of

his titled: 'Lou Reed Live.' I was anxious to hear his live version of

'Walk.' Boy, did I get a surprise! It is a parody of the original; the

lyrics begin like this, 'I hate this fucking song...' in melody, of course,

to the original. Hey, guy, I like it! Isn't that what counts? No web-site

address on invite for Rob's joint.

Well, it looks like a good weekend. Busy, but not too busy. As I mentioned a

few times, the work pictured on a few invitations really did catch my

attention. However, remember too that art appreciation is subjective. How to

know? GO. You don't know if you don't go...say it over 100 times and for my

next trick it's out the back, Jack and getting on the bus, Gus...3D over and

out!!!

complaintdepartment@hotterthanmail.usa

e-mail complements to: danielrgould@hotmail.com