The exhibition marks two decades of art collecting with an eye for dark romanticism and the unorthodox. Works by up-and-coming talents such as Koen Taselaar and Barbara Helmer are exhibited alongside those by established artists including Vanessa JanePhaff and Jos van Merendonk.
Bold Purchases
The Rotterdam University art collection consists of a hundred-plus works by over eighty artists, almost all of whom earned their professional spurs as students or teachers at the Willem de Kooning Academy. The exhibition comprises works by 44 different artists and are all highly diverse in theme, technique, medium and format. The exhibition starts with a small but compelling triptych on paper by Henri Jacobs. This is the first work in the collection and was purchased in 1995. Opposite this work is the most recent purchase dating from December 2011, a large, exuberant triptych on canvas by Royal Laureate Marie Civikov. The exhibition examines the various similarities between the works, from abstract and exploratory paintings by Maarten Janssen and Ronald de Bloeme to the refined drawings of Juul Kraijer and Sarah van der Pols showing the fragility of humankind and desolate cityscapes by Hans Wilschut and Edwin Zwakman.
A Comprehensive Art Collection
In 1994, Rotterdam University, of which the Willem deKooning Academy is a part, took the initiative of starting an art collection. As a socially engaged educational institution firmly anchored in Rotterdam's society, the university was eager to contribute to the promotion of art and culture in the city. Since then, an independent art committee has been managing the collection on a modest budget. At the same time, students and staf fcan be surrounded by and feel inspired by a varied collection of art in the university's public spaces.
Publication
The exhibition is accompanied by a book entitled ‘Aanwinst, kunstcollectie Hogeschool Rotterdam' about the entire Rotterdam University art collection published by: Hogeschool Rotterdam. (Dutch language only / ISBN 978 97894619011 1-8 €29,95).
About your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Skip listThe Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.
Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.
Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.
In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.