During Design Biënnale Rotterdam, the Groot Handelsgebouw hosts several shows: ‘Cairn’ a solo show of Laurids Gallée, ‘This is Us’, a group show of Rotterdam designers, and group show ‘Show Not Show’.
Cairn, Solo show by Laurids Gallée
Laurids Gallée unveils a new series of sculptural lights in collaboration with The Collectional, set within the monumental Groot Handelsgebouw. Gallée takes this rare opportunity to present his work in Rotterdam, where he has established his practice but rarely exhibits. His oversized, luminous sculptures blur the line between function and statement, or perhaps function with statement. Their apparent lightness defies their massive scale, creating a sense of weightlessness and movement.
This is Us
A city’s identity is not shaped by a single vision but by the energy of those who build, challenge, and transform it. Their work is in constant dialogue with the city – shaped by industry, collective resilience, and an inherent understanding that design is, above all, something to be lived. This is Us brings together different generations of designers whose work is defined by clarity of form and conviction of purpose.
With: Anna Aagaard Jensen, Kasper Boelens, Lisa Brustolin, Elsemarijn Bruys, Rollo Bryant, Jule Cats, Chan Chiao Chun, GIulia Cosenza & Jonas Lutz, Forever Studio, Groovido, Ishtar Hsu, Jonas Hejduk, Richard Hutten, Chris Kabel, Sunyo Mast, Johannes Langkamp, Audrey Large & Théophile blandet, Atelier van Lieshout, Barry Llewellyn, Studio Sabine Marcelis, Benjamin Motoc, ODD MATTER, Lex Pott, Sarah Roseman, Russo Betak, Michael Schoner, Wieki Somers, Lenny Stöpp, Sebastiaan Straatsma, Supertoys Supertoys & Gufram, The New Raw, Maria Tyakina, Elvis Wesley.
Show Not Show
Show Not Show invites you into the world of makers – creators who not only reveal the final product but also guide you through their creative journey, blending the tension between observing and experiencing in a compelling way.
This group exhibition, presented by The Best Kept Spoilers, features six designers: Lucas Zito, Pepijn Fabius Clovis, Aad Bos (Mokko), Studio Luuk van Laarhoven, Frank Penders, and Marc Meeuwissen (Dear Objects). It showcases a collection of functional and autonomous objects, offering a unique perspective on design.
Design Biënnale Rotterdam
Design Biënnale Rotterdam is a ten-day citywide showcase exploring what design means today. From 20 February to 2 March 2025, Rotterdam will transform into a destination for forward-thinking design and fresh perspectives. Featuring exhibitions, experiences, and conferences across cultural institutions and unexpected venues, the Biënnale will present local talent and global design figures, positioning design as a transformative force for change.
Photography: Ab Bol
