The art scene of Rotterdam has never been so vibrant before. From 11 till 14 February the city is filled with art fairs, exhibition openings and art related events because of Art Rotterdam, Hollands most important fair when it comes to contemporary art.

Charl Landvreugd

As a previous inhabitant of Rotterdam I felt like arriving in a warm bath filled with art and old friends. However the opening with lots of blabla and people drinking expensive prosecco made it difficult to have a proper look on the art. I decided to focus on all the blabla and took the next day for art. It is not my first time as a visitor of Art Rotterdam but the location is still overwhelming. In june 2014 UNESCO declared ’De van Nelle Fabriek’ as World Heritage. It is the right location for an art fair, because of its high ceilings and industrial feeling. Showing art in this kind of ambiance gives the visitor a different art fair experience.

Lana Mesic

Around 130 galleries present their most prestigious artists. I couldn’t see a certain trend going on and wouldn’t say that it is all fresh and new. I saw familiar faces and familiar art pieces that have been shown at Art Rotterdam before, but luckily the organization of Art Rotterdam does surprise its visitors. For example, by entering the location we bump in the work of visual artist Ryan Mendoza. His work ’Detroit House’ is an impressive installation. He demolished, shipped and finally reconstructed the former Detroit home in front of the entrance of Art Rotterdam. Mendoza: ’I will give people from all over Europe the chance not only to walk into one man’s memories, but to walk also into one country’s collective aspirations and unanticipated shortcomings’.

Meinke ten Have

Besides its main section, Art Rotterdam offers Prospect & Concepts, New Art Section, Intersections and Projections. Here is a view on my own favorites from this years Art Rotterdam.

Art Rotterdam
11 - 14 February

Opening hours:
Friday February 12, 11-21h, Sat/Sun 11-19h

More info

Anna Lange presented by Zic Zerp

Thijs Ebbe Fokkens presented by Gallery Joey Ramone

Lieven Segers presented by Base-Alpha Gallery