ARTZUID: Art on the street

Every 2 years, there is art to be seen on the streets of Amsterdam South (Zuid). It is called ARTZUID - the open air art exhibition - which takes place in this Art Deco part of the city. It is always a sight to behold for visitors and also local residents. The exhibition started on May 19 and will end September 24, 2023. As it is a biennial event - this is the 8th time.

Vertical Highways A17, A24, A25 - Bettina Pousttchi - DE

The curator is Jasper Krabbe and the theme for 2023 is “Transfer - the world in Motion.” There are 50 sculptures from 50 artists.

Seduction - Marjolein Witte - NL

When speaking about the sculptors/artists, Cintha van Heeswijck, the director of ARTZUID said, “Their motivation is the roller-coaster we live in.” She is also referring to the impact of social media and the various crises(health, economic, energy etc.) on society and its effect especially on young people. As I strolled around, looking at the sculptures, I reflected on the theme and the thoughts of the director.

The Bear - Anna Mzryglod - PL

As the artworks should also appeal to the youth, it is in the tradition of Pop art, Neo-Pop art and Street art or the opposite. However, freedom and openness should be represented.

Renaissance - Wang Keping - CN

There are works of art from young and established local and internationally known artists. In order for your to know the origins, I have included the ISO 2 letters for the country codes at the end of each caption. Ten artists were commissioned, the others sculptures were borrowed.

Self-portrait as Landscape - Caroline Coolen - BE

The sculptures are placed between the beautiful tree-lined avenues of Minervalaan and Apollolaan.

Girosplode - Willem Harbers - NL

This creates a lovely verdant setting to enjoy the art which covers a 2km area.

Blue 4U - Roland de Jong Orlando - NL

One can download an app, join a guided tour or discover and appreciate the sculptures at your own pace - like I did.

Lady Macbeth - Julian Schnabel - USA

Now you've joined me on the "journey",

The Journey - Carin Scholten - NL

with different colorful,

BMW Art Car 850CSi - David Hockney - GB

expressive

Fat convertible - Erwin Wurm - AT

and dramatic modes of transport.

Punktrabant - Olaf Mooij -NL

As you can see, thus far, there is a variety of sculptures.

Frankey turns ARTZUID upside down - Frankey - NL

As everyones sensibilities and preferences are so personal - I will not say too much. You can feel and sense what you will - as you look at these photos.

Head on a chair - Karel Appel - NL

Every sculpture has it own story.

Storytelling tower - Jean Dubuffet - FR

It can be long or short.

Short legs - Klaas Gubbels- NL

We can embrace the concepts portrayed or not.

Embrace - Carla Rump - NL

In the surrounding green - there was one "blue tree".

Blue tree - Stefan Pietryga - DE

There are different sculptures here for different "tastes".

Lupine honeycomb -Arne Quinze - BE

This post was just a sample of the sculptures on display. It is wonderful that it is an open air show that everyone can enjoy.

Life is indeed about sharing! The artists shared their skills with us and I have now shared their works with you.

Imperial LOVE - Robert Indiana - US

....... a fitting end to the journey.

All photos are my own