I always seem to appreciate gallery exhibitions more in Winter than in Summer. Probably for the same reason that art exhibitions move me exponentially more when I am suffering from a hangover. The need for the comfort which art brings is higher. As the nights get longer and the days get colder, we seek shelter in festivities, brown cafés and hot beverages to keep the winter depression at bay. I find that the best cure for this depression is to be found in the art, and luckily it is generously spread around the city during this time. There are two exhibitions that I’d like to recommend, if you are suffering from the same winter blues and they are right around the corner from each other.
Tanja Ritterbex
Ornis A. Gallery is showing the work of Tanja Ritterbex, a Dutch young artist that currently does a residency at “de Ateliers”, contains paintings, video work and two sculptural installations. After I left, I felt like I had just spent an evening hanging out with one of those people that are impossible to become friends with because they stir up such admiration that you will always remain in awe. The kind of person that is the centre of attention but you can’t tell if it’s actually their intention to be.
Teun Hocks
“TORCH Gallery” has a solo exhibition of Teun Hocks. Hocks’ energy is definitely more controlled than Ritterbex’, except for the fact that both exhibitions are an unfeigned display of character, Hocks being a more introverted one, their works are incomparable.
Hocks’ black & white baryta prints are of staged photographs, in which he often performs rather theatrically and portrays himself as an anti-hero. The prints are hand coloured with oil paint and he makes the frames himself. Teun Hocks doesn’t need you. He functions as creator, performer, director, editor and audience for his work. His character might be formed in the absence of his personal engagement with you, captivated by his stories and clumsy heroism.
Keep an eye out
Do yourself a favor and visit these shows, and while you are at it, keep an eye on “This Art Fair” opening on December 30th this Month at Beurs van Berlage. TORCH, along with many other galleries (including my own) and independent emerging artists, will all gather at “This Art Fair” is one of the most fun Amsterdam art fairs and a good opportunity to see new upcoming talent.
Tanja Ritterbex – I thought I could be an artist
Ornis A. Gallery
Hazenstraat 11 // www.ornisagallery.com
06.11.2015 – 16.01.2016
Teun Hocks
TORCH Gallery
Lauriergracht 94 // www.torchgallery.com
24.10.2015 – 02.01.2016
This Art Fair
Beurs van Berlage
Damrak 243 // www.thisartfair.com
30.12.2015 – 03.01.2016
About Emmelie
Emmelie Koster (28) is founder and curator of No Man’s Art Gallery. For her gallery, she crosses the globe in search of emerging artists and organises temporary exhibitions in every city she visits. When she is not roaming the world, she spends her days in Amsterdam where the gallery has a permanent exhibition space. Also an independent art advisor, Emmelie is always up to speed of who is showing where, and what not to miss. Discover her top art picks in her monthly Volkshotel blog.