SCHIEDAM.- Forget everything you thought you knew about where art belongs. The Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, in collaboration with Rotterdam's dynamic curatorial duo Opperclaes, is pulling off what many might call the impossible: bringing the raw, vibrant energy of large-scale abstract street art directly into the hallowed halls of a museum. Their new exhibition, "BOLD & GRITTY – Abstract art from public space," which opened on May 24, promises a spectacular and colorful journey into an artistic world that thrives beyond traditional boundaries.


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For years, artists have found ultimate freedom on city streets, squares, and even forgotten industrial sites, creating monumental abstract works that defy the confines of galleries. This outdoor canvas allows them to escape the often-constricting tastes of the art world. Now, Opperclaes – comprised of Bruce Tsai-Meu-Chong and Linda van der Vleuten – has meticulously selected some of the most authentic and individual voices from this scene, proving that their powerful creations are just as impactful within a museum setting.

Imagine vast, colorful abstract installations, born from intuition and physical exertion, rather than pre-planned sketches. Unlike the many figurative murals commissioned by developers to "beautify" neighborhoods, these artists embrace abstraction and a deeply physical approach. Take French artist Yann L’Outsider, for instance, who crafts immense abstract murals on abandoned buildings. He manipulates his spray can with incredible precision, varying angles, movement, and speed to produce mesmerizing lines and compositions. Or Ilke Gers from New Zealand, who transforms public squares and rooftops with massive chalk or tape drawings, which then slowly fade with footsteps and weather, becoming ephemeral performances in themselves.

This art, while monumental, is rarely meant to last forever. Buildings are torn down, or the elements simply reclaim the work. UK artist Mike Ballard consciously embraces this transience, creating sculptures from found materials and leaving them to decay naturally. This impermanence isn't a flaw; it's an explicit part of his artistic statement.

The act of painting, rolling, sponging, or spraying on such a grand scale is a profoundly physical experience. Decisions are often made on the spot, intuitively shaping the composition. The Dutch duo Thomas & Jurgen, for example, continuously react to each other's actions within a single artwork, allowing the final piece to unfold in real-time. Artists also innovate with their tools; American Jason Revok has developed a device that can operate up to 12 spray cans simultaneously, enabling him to create wall paintings at lightning speed. French artist Pablo Tomek's technique, inspired by the whitewashing of windows with sponges, leaves a distinct, textural mark in his paintings and sculptures.

Crucially, despite their origins in public space, the works in "BOLD & GRITTY" are deeply connected to broader art historical traditions. Kenneth Letsoin's pieces echo abstract expressionism, while Mike Ballard's work hints at minimal art. This connection is underscored by the inclusion of internationally celebrated German artist Katharina Grosse, a significant inspiration for almost all the featured artists, who has largely navigated the institutional art world.

This exhibition builds on the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic practices, following their 2021 "Glashard" exhibition which also featured artists with graffiti roots. This time, by bringing the art from outside to inside, the museum offers a unique platform for these powerful, often spontaneous, creations. It's a vibrant, eye-opening experience that celebrates an artistic world thriving beyond the conventional.

"BOLD & GRITTY – Abstract art from public space" is now on view at Stedelijk Museum Schiedam. The exhibition was made possible with support from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.


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