Germaine Kruip reveals the invisible in Amsterdam's Oude Kerk

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From November 25, 2015 until March 27, 2016 under the title Geometry of the Scattering, the Oude Kerk presents an exhibition by Dutch artist Germaine Kruip. With the cooperation of curator Krist Gruijthuijsen, an ensemble of works was selected that has never been exhibited in the Netherlands before. Together with new work inspired by the monumental Oude Kerk, such as A Square, Spoken and Simultaneous Contrast, this exhibition also includes previous work that has been specially adapted for the exhibition space, including Column Untitled (2011) and Marble Untitled (2009).

In conjunction with the Geometry of Scattering exhibition the Oude Kerk is organising a series of talks, presentations, and a preview of the performance A Possibility of An Abstraction at Veem Huis voor Performance, throughout the months of February and March 2016.

abstractions of light and space
The language of simple geometric forms, such as circles and squares, is deeply rooted in the history of ideas, religion and art. Using these forms, along with some subtle interventions, Kruip's work exposes historical and cultural phenomena, such as the impact of traditions and rituals, culminating in bewildering abstractions of light and space. Kruip's abstractions have a double meaning. On the one hand they create a link to the contemplative character of the Oude Kerk, but they also influence and alter the perceptions of the viewer. A highlight is Simultaneous Contrast: an ingenious manipulation of light, with which Kruip makes historical blind spots visible.

square and/or circle
The square, once a Modernist symbol, is central to the performance A Square, Spoken, which has been specially created for the Oude Kerk. In the history of the square, suggests Kruip, we recognise the passage of time and the instability of our own perception. Kannadi (from Square to Circle) is about material and immaterial heritage. Kannadi are traditional round mirrors made in Aranmula (India). Simply by asking if square mirrors could be made Kruip forced a change in the local, centuries-old process of production. 11 variations on the familiar pattern were created. Integrated into the architecture of the Oude Kerk the mirrors make reference to existing and broken traditions. Column Untitled (2011) is composed of hundreds of white marble elements which, through their seemingly endless repetition, reproduce a traditional pattern. In the Oude Kerk Column Untitled forms an 18-meter high column reaching from the gravestone floor to the vaulted ceiling of the Chapel of Saint George (Sint-Joriskapel). The column alters the space, evoking a sense of endlessness.

about Germaine Kruip
Germaine Kruip (*Castricum 1970) lives and works in Amsterdam and Brussels. Her work has been purchased by collectors and museums throughout the world. Since moving from theatre to the art world in the early 2000s, Kruip has mainly focused on the architecture of light and movement. In her body of work, which varies from installations to performances, she seeks to locate where everyday life transitions into art, and art into everyday life. In 2004, she installed Daytime in the original building of the Stedelijk Museum. Daytime, a collection of subtly rotating reflective lamellae, revealed the link between the City and the Stedelijk. In March of 2016 her work will be exhibited at the XXth Biennale of Sydney and the performance A Possibility of An Abstraction will premier during the art festival Des Arts in Brussels in May 2016.

about the Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk is the oldest building in Amsterdam and is situated in the middle of the red light district. With an interest in and space for contemporary art, and frequently recurring substantive debate, the Oude Kerk seeks to position itself as the place where heritage and art meet. The programming includes exhibitions of (inter)national artists, debates, performances, and experimental projects.

Exhibition Opening:

November 25, 2015 Period: November 25, 2015 – March 27, 2016
Opening hours: mon – sat 10:00 – 18:00 | sun 13:00 – 17:30
Ticket prices: euro 7,50 (Museumcard free)