Do you want to start the new year by seeing some emerging art at a great art fair? Art Rotterdam should then be the first fair on your 2017 art agenda. On 9 – 12 February 2017, the 18th edition of Art Rotterdam will once again immerse you into the newest developments in contemporary art. Its exclusive focus on young art, its presentation of a variety of exhibition models, the connection with the city of Rotterdam and the historic location have given Art Rotterdam its unique identity.
As a proud partner of Art Rotterdam, Larry’s List is more than glad to highlight seven facts about Art Rotterdam that would make you want to get your tickets immediately.
1. Leading Dutch galleries
Art Rotterdam brings together leading art galleries from the Netherlands and Europe. The Main Section will present seventy leading galleries to showcase the latest developments in the field of contemporary art, such as Willem Baars Projects (The Netherlands), GNYP Gallery (Germany), Gerhard Hofland (The Netherlands), RAM Berry Koedam (The Netherlands), Hidde van Seggelen (United Kingdom) and Vilma Gold (United Kingdom), just to name a few.
2. Nomination for AICA Certificate 2016
Art Rotterdam is nominated for the International Association of Art Critics AICA Award 2016, According to the jury report, Art Rotterdam was recognised as “an art fair which has for years been distinguished by a great diversity and talent to enter into partnerships”. The report also praises the exhibition as “a conglomerate of presentations and activities that have upgraded the port city to the country’s leading art city”. “After a visit (or several visits)”, it is finally concluded, “you have the feeling of being totally in terms of Dutch contemporary art. This development is also reflected in the visitor numbers, which rose steadily from 16,000 in 2013, to 21,500 in 2014 and to 26,500 in 2016″.
3. A great variety of models: from projection to performance
“Projections”, the section of video art and film, shows twelve videos on a large, five-meter-wide projection wall. To promote the concentration, each video has its own sound shower. “Projections” has turned out to be a successful springboard over the past four years. Works by several exhibitors are included in museum collections, or can be seen at major international exhibitions.
For the exhibition “Prospects & Concepts”, the huge area of 2,500 m2 of the old distribution centre of the Van Nelle Fabriek will be home to works of about 60 artists who received grants in 2015 by the Mondrian Fund. The curator will be Stijn Huijts, director of the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht.
“Intersections”, the section for installation and performance art, will reside for the third time in the old workshops of the factory during the 18th edition.
4. An intriguing selection of young galleries
The New Art Section, put together by curator Natasha Hoare from Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, includes works by the youngest among the international galleries. 21 young and innovative galleries have been selected this year. Natasha Hoare regards this section as a great step for young galleries into the wider network of international art fairs, and for artists to present ambitious bodies of work. In this sense, the section is a dynamic space for visitors and collectors alike.
5. Art Rotterdam week
During the week of Art Rotterdam, the entire city is buzzing with art. Museum Boijmans van Beuningen will feature the exhibition “Mad about Surrealism”, an unmatched list of masterpieces from four renowned European private collections. The majority has rarely been seen and will disappear behind closed doors after late May 2017. In addition, in De Kunsthal Rotterdam, an exhibition will showcase internet-based art from collectors Hugo and Carla Brown’s collection. And Voorlinden, the new private museum, which collector Joop van Caldenborgh set up just outside Rotterdam, is an unmissable experience for every art lover.
And this is just a selection of events, there will be much more during the Art Rotterdam Week 2017. The full programm is available at www.artrotterdamweek.com, so you can plan your own Art Rotterdam Week!
6. A world-heritage venue
The fair will again take place in the Van Nelle Fabriek, the icon adorning the UNESCO World Heritage List. The former Van Nelle Factory on the Schie river in Rotterdam is considered a prime example of the International Style. It has been a designated World Heritage Site since 2014. It is an excellent venue to experience the latest young art of our era while getting connected with the history of the Dutch city.
7. The growingly attractive Dutch harbour city
Being the second-largest metropolis in the Netherlands, Rotterdam has risen to become one of Europe’s most exhilarating cities. Art Rotterdam has helped to upgrade the harbour city to the country’s most prominent art city. Besides a proliferating art scene, the vibrant Dutch city is offering you futuristic architecture and numerous drinking, dining and entertainment venues.
Ricko Leung
