How wonderful to have had the privilege of traveling to Rijswijk, Netherlands last week to view the 2019 Textile Biennial at Museum Rijswijk. Since then, knowing I’d want to recap the experience here, I’ve been trying to think how best to describe the exhibit. Words just don’t seem to adequately convey its full impact and impressive scope, so pictures will have to do.
Museum Rijswijk Note the bike parked to the left of the entrance, complete with front-end child carrier…a ubiquitous sight.
The museum is housed in a beautiful c.1790 mansion, saved and restored by the town of Rijswijk after realizing that the 1950s’ eye to modernization, which resulted in the wholesale demolition of many historic buildings, may have taken things a step too far. A beautiful modern annex was added in 2012.
The museum’s permanent collection consists of paintings, drawings, and prints by Rijswijk artists, dating from the 17th century to the present.
The biennial was woven throughout the museum, at times integrating pieces from the exhibit alongside work from the permanent collection, as the photo above illustrates.
I am quite fond of winter imagery, so was pleased to find Alone Together and Respite nestled, so to speak, in the snow.
Espresso & Peanut Butter between bouquets
Laurence James Bailey’s work appears in the center panel
An upstairs gallery
Mirjam Kruisselbrink, foreground; Kata Unger, left; Katherine Entis, right
My fourth piece, Poseidon’s Garden
Mirjam Kruisselbrink, foreground/left; Elizabeth Fram, center; David B. Smith, right
Josefina Concha
Josefina Concha again. I was so taken with her work that I had to share another of her installations.
Kayla Mattes
Kristine Fornes
Ana Teresa Barboza
Anna Astapova
Lawrence James Bailey
Lia de Jonghe
Monika Supé
Mark Newport
Noora Schroderus
Nigel Cheney, far left; Paul Yore, middle left; Ana Astapova, middle right; Marianne Thoermer, far right; Higi Jung, foreground
Kata Unger, left; Max Colby on pedestal; Bhakti Ziek, right
A head-on shot of Bhakti’s lovely series. It was such a treat that there were two of us from Vermont in this show.
Higi Jung
Max Colby
Nigel Cheney
Paula do Prado
Paul Yore
Each artist had numerous pieces in the show. I’ve done my best to see that everyone is represented at least once in these photos. But that said, these images barely scratch the surface of the impressive whole. What an honor it was to have been included.
The lovely catalog includes an essay on each artist accompanied with photos of their work
Congratulations! You are so clearly and justifiably proud in the photo. What a remarkable selection of work and to then be displayed in a 200+ year old museum: truly honoring art.
Thanks John; so glad to be able to see everything “in the flesh”!
Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful show. Your work was placed so well. I’d love to see the catalog one day.
Congratulations on being part of it.
Judy
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I was tickled by the placement – it added another dimension.
Betsy, Congratulations on such a wonderful, international honor. That show was eclectic, exciting, beautifully and thoughtfully presented, and your work just “shone”!! Smile each time you think of the honor given to you and your work when you remember that show…. Well deserved congratulations!
Very sweet of you, Marya, thank you! I am totally amazed that one person pulled all that work together and hung it so thoughtfully throughout so many rooms…with other objects to consider as well. I never would have known if I hadn’t seen it in person.
Well done! Loved how the Bienniel video featured one of your pieces at the very end. Congratulations.
Many thanks Margaret. You are a trooper to have stuck with the video to the end!
What a wonderful exhibition in a stunning space! I looked up several of the other artists; they are all fascinating. The museum gathered a wonderful group of artists to highlight. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.
Thanks for checking it out further Eve. Did you look into Lawrence James Bailey’s work? He has such a strong environmental message. I thought of you immediately when first viewing his pieces.
Congratulations! How wonderful to be part of such a remarkable show! You are very talented and I am so happy for you -and your sales!!
Patty, such kind words – thank you!
Oh Betsy! So exciting! Congratulations!
Thanks so much Kathy – you’re beautiful threads are key!