ARTICLEby Jan van Raay
ARTZIEN Vol. 1 No. 2, Decemeber 1978
Is bigger better? Is more less? Why are Amsterdam galleries so
small? The is room. The recently relocated Article gallery,
Prinsengracht 629, is an example of what can be done.
Wim van Krimpen, director of Article, has a personal passion to exhibit the
art he would like to buy. He said that "there are not enough major
collectors in Holland to support such a space. It must be done out of love."
Existing as a small gallery for one year, van Krimpen saw the necessity for
more space, especially for sculpture. It began as a garage in the building
he had purchased on the Prinsengracht, and after a six month rebuilding
project, finished as a clean, bright, dynamic hall for art. There are still
a few kinks to be worked out, the lighting system isn't settled yet, but the
room seems endless. The possibilities for the use of such space are very
exciting. For example, performance art, so often relegated to a small are
that both inhibits the performer as well as the observers, could benefit
greatly. Too much of the art seen in Amsterdam suffers from cramped
quarters. If space is not available, perhaps less should be exhibited. But
Article show that there are alternatives.
Through December 23: Kees Smiths, paintings.
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