Contemporary Art in Amsterdam

All about photography

Foam is the go to museum for contemporary photography for over decades in Amsterdam. There is always an exhibition on display that will get you thinking.

From contemporary to historical work and from fine art to applied photography. World famous photographers are exhibited alongside young, emerging artists. Doesn’t this sound like a treat?!

This is an unpretentious place where art is presented in a very easy low key way for you to enjoy.

The building itself is steeped in history and has been holding contemporary exhibitions for almost 150 years. In 2001 Foam took over this culturally esteemed property and held their first exhibition.

FOAM

Untitled from the series Boys of Hong Kong 2018 c Alexandra Leese courtesy of the artist

Thought revealing art

Non-profit + exhibition space + contemporary art + large scale + emerging talent = P/////AKT

This pact requires the artists to produce something new and reveal their thoughts in the process. This enables the audience to witness the mental space as part of the art and to get a direct understanding of the context.

So no objectivity but good old fashioned subjectivity, which can lead to interesting debates and perspectives.

P/////AKT

Pedro Barateiro, My body, this paper, this fire, 2019 Charlott Markus

By artists for the people

Started in the late seventies, as an alternative to the establishment, a group of 5 artists started W139 at Warmoestraat 139. At W139 the artists are in charge to initiate exhibitions from inception to the actual staging of the ‘sensory, sensitive and inclusive’ exhibitions.

What started as an anti-establishment initiative transformed into a professional platform for contemporary art. With their motto “Art comes first” it’s the perfect spot to take in some pretty impressive contemporary exhibitions. Be sure to enjoy the food they occasionally prepare at the entrance, all home made and delicious.

W139

Shifting Spaces W139 2016  photo by Chun-Han Chiang