Myth & Muse, an homage to Frida Kahlo, until August 31, 2014 in GO Gallery.
July 11th until 13th will see the light of an art manifest in Amsterdam, at the Baggage Hall in Loods 6 (Loft 6), KNSM-Laan 143. This exact weekend marks the 60th year since the passing of the legendary artist Frida Kahlo. Artist Thessa van der Voort –who herself is greatly fascinated with Frida’s work- and GO Gallery owner Oscar van der Voorn have initiated this conceptual exhibition to honor Frida, whose work has been celebrated in Mexico as emblematic of national and indigenous tradition next to being an inadmissible symbol of feminism throughout her life and decades to follow.
Oscar and Thessa have invited 60 artists, all varying in discipline and background to each contribute and provide an original artwork of their own as a tribute to Frida during this manifest. Frida’s life and paintings –still to this day- speak volumes on freedom of expression, sexuality and imagination whilst most of her artworks were produced in confinement of her own home, due to sustained injuries caused by a traffic accident she was involved in earlier in her life. Next to being married to Diego Rivera, Frida shared intimate relationships with Bolshevik Revolutionary Leon Trotsky and New York photographer Nickolas Muray. Professional dancer Josephine Baker and Georgia O’Keeffe were also known lovers of Kahlo’s. As countless memoires were recorded in her honor through biographies, books and film, Frida’s legend still lives on today. Both renowned and upcomming artists will be contributing artworks to this project varying from established names such as Jan Sierhuis and Aad Veldhoen as well as young urban artists Ives.One, The London Police and Mick La Rock. The captivating works of Ans Markus and Patricia Steur will also be included, just as many other artworks from various artists who have all put their fascination and inspiration to work and have created a tribute of their own. This results in an incredibly versatile exhibition of paintings, collage works, sculptures, photography and installations. (All participating atists: Nico Koster met Diana Kok, Aatje Veldhoen (heeft een vaas gemaakt), Ans Markus, Jan Sierhuis, Shakiro samen met Lieve Prins, Peter Zonneveld, Hadewych Cels, Margot Berkman, Jos van den Berg, Anita Mizrahi, Darija van de Koppel, Cecile Potjes, Thessa van der Voort, Justine Albronda, Susan Hartjes, Ingrid Scholten, Edwin Hoogendoorn, Jill Stott, Ria Nieswaag, Hetty van der Linden, Ebo Korzaan, Erik van Lint, Anita Philipsen, Jacinta Heijmans, Eva Gans, Martijn Last, Margarita Nicolaas, Liz Petersen, Nada Mandelbaum, Mark Goede, Margret Mijsbergh, Loes van Delft, Deesaster, Staaf, Marieke Hulsegge, Patricia Steur, Franck Ecalard, Ton Leenarts, Donna Corbani, IvesOne, Jeroen Blok, Yvonne van der Bijl, Pleasant, OVNI, Bustart & Zaira, Ron van den Bosch, Mick La Rock, Frank Porcelijn, Birgit Busz, Rika en Ruud, Rick Keijzer, Max Zorn, Perishable Rush, Frans Franciscus, Ottograph, Skount, Maxim Wakultschik, Jan Bianchi, The London Police, Ana Garcia Alcocer, Jesse Faber, Otto Schade, BunnyBrigade, OrticaNoodles, Peter Donkersloot, Ian Andrew, Florentijn (Mona Lisa) Bruning. Several poets, Erika de Stercke, Dia Huizinga, Jolies Heij, Aurora, Sarah Nichols, Lilah Maslowa, Jan Bianchi, Wim Koesen, Thessa van der Voort, Anton Martineau, Marianne Vreugdenhil, Gerard Scharn, Baban Kirkuki, presented by Catelijne Beijst, will also be performing their poetry on Sunday afternoon, July 13th, which was specifically written as an ode to Frida in the light of this project. Artist –and Frida Kahlo expert- Yvonne van der Bijl shall be giving her presentation ‘Fashionable Frida’ (Frida Kahlo as a style icon) several times during this weekend. The exhibition opening will take place on Saturday 12 July at 17:30, and will be attended by Mr. Eduardo Ibarrola, Ambassador of Mexico to The Netherlands. Former Minister of Culture, Mrs. Hedy d’Ancona will have the honor of formally opening the exhibition. After the official opening, most of the works will be on display at GO Gallery, Prinsengracht 64 in Amsterdam, also during the yearly Amsterdam Gay Pride, during the first wek of August. In short: Opening: Saturday July 12th, 17:30 – 21:00 hrs. by Mrs. Hedy d’Ancona and Mr. Ibarrola, Ambassador of Mexico. Poetry afternoon: Sunday, open from 13:00 – 18:00 hrs. July 18th – August 30 exhibition is on display at GO Gallery (also for the yearly Amsterdam GayPride) The exhibition is also made possible by Barefoot Wines.