On January 13, 2024, the exhibition “Waterfront Tsunami” opens at Kunstgarage Franx in Zoetermeer. This art exhibition sheds light on the power and beauty of water while simultaneously exploring the threat of an imaginary tsunami. Transformed into an artistic landscape, Kunstgarage Franx provides a platform for artists to present their perspectives on water, raising awareness of rising sea levels and climate change.
In the Dutch landscape, where Zoetermeer is seven meters below sea level, Kunstgarage Franx stands as a symbolic beacon of awareness. With its roof at the same level as the sea, Kunstgarage Franx challenges you to contemplate the potential rise of water.
Experience Kunstgarage Franx: A Journey through Water and Art
Guided by curator Lonneke de la Mar, Kunstgarage Franx takes you on a visual journey with colorful artworks depicting the sky and the earth, followed by impressive interpretations of the looming impact of a tsunami. As you experience the exhibition, you are surrounded by sounds of water, intensifying the atmosphere. The diverse artworks prompt reflection on how water can be both a threat and an opportunity.
Diverse Expressions of Water
During the exhibition, you are invited to walk through a symbolic “waterfront,” exploring various facets of water, from serene calmness to turbulent strength. The exhibition offers a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations, and interactive experiences.
Artists draw inspiration from the powerful and transformative properties of water, as well as the potentially devastating force of a tsunami. The artworks reflect the complex relationship between humanity and water, addressing ecological aspects and cultural significance. Artists like Erica Baltimore and Martin Sjardijn use artificial intelligence to explore the intricacies of the theme.
The Artists and Their Works
- Erica Baltimore – Salva Vidas
A 3D photoseries using A.I., symbolizing that youth can save the future. - Margriet Snaterse – Brokstukken & Hemelstuk
An interactive experience with blocks referring to coastal defense structures. - Martin Sjardijn – A.I.
Paintings on canvas created with artificial intelligence. - Tobias Becker Hoff & Opskeer – V8* Waterfront
Fusion of robust sculptural installations and vibrant work concluding the exhibition.
- Anne Fie Salverda – Brekend Licht
Large light installations focusing on movement, specially created for Waterfront Tsunami. - Tasha Arlova – Searching for a Blue Bird
Exploration of identity inspired by Belarus and life in the Netherlands. - Gino van Weenen – Onder de Lijn
Spoken-word artist challenging the audience with poetry and literature. - Piet Rogie – Sirenes
An eleven-meter-long drawing depicting the waterline.
Location and Schedule
Kunstgarage Franx is located at Vlamingstraat 1, 2712 BZ Zoetermeer.
The exhibition runs from January 13, 2024, to March 17, 2024,
with the exhibition space open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.kunstgaragefranx.nl/.
