BIG ART Bajeskwartier
Image report by Wisse Trooster
The last weekend of September XL art platform BIG ART will once again descend on Amsterdam’s Bajeskwartier. With over 100 large artworks, this promises to be the largest edition ever. The main building of the former Bijlmerbajes will provide the backdrop for sculptures, paintings, light art works, drawings, photography, video and installation art. The raw, shell-like spaces of the illustrious building create a unique atmosphere. All artworks are on view and for sale.
Several galleries such as Rademakers Gallery, Galerie van Gelder, Josilda da Conceição Gallery, NL=US and Art Gallery O-68 participate, also Go Mulan Gallery, PLAY room, Root Gallery, BLEND and gallery with tsjalling participate. In addition, independent artists are welcome at BIG ART: “Every year we look for a stimulating combination of participants so that the fair always surprises,” said Anne van der Zwaag, responsible for the composition of BIG ART. The location also plays an important role in the selection: “Many artists create new work especially for BIG ART and are inspired by this special place.” Ko Aarts uses the walls of the old prison for a site-specific artwork and Daan den Houter’s melting paintings also leave their traces in the building, Koen Kievits takes the entire floor of his studio to the former Bajes and Sjimmie Veenhuis builds a striking fence on site. The sculptural installation by young talent Hanne Arends is about loneliness, and Hugo Rocci’s countless keys and Ma Hui’s paper scrolls of text (SinArts Gallery) are also full of references.
BIG ART Bajeskwartier
Bajeskwartier, H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 48, Amsterdam
29 September – 1 October, 2023
bigart.nu