PRESENTATION: ARTZUID 2025

ARTZUID is an open-air Sculpture Biennale in Amsterdam’s Southern district in The Netherlands. During this four-month event, amazing modern and contemporary figurative sculptures and art installations from all over the world are installed in the district’s beautiful Berlage-designed avenues and on the Zuidas business district. You can simply wander the streets and uncover the artistic surprises.

By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Stichting Art Zuid Archive

The 9th edition of ARTZUID is titled “Enlightenment” and celebrates the 750th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam, with an ode to its freedom and tolerance. According to research bureau Respons, ARTZUID is the largest free art event in the Netherlands with an average of 300,000 visitors. ARTZUID is a popular cultural outing among schools, where young people learn all about art in public space. Young and old enjoy the sculptures while walking. And that is exactly what the foundation wants to achieve: a meeting place where the sculptures act as conversation pieces, as an opportunity to have a chat and exchange experiences. This exhibition draws from top international artists and Dutch talent for the selection of sculptures and installations that can be seen this summer in Amsterdam. ARTZUID transforms the exhibition location into a surreal urban landscape in which figurative sculptures alternate with architectonic installations. They show a great variety in format and material. What unites them is their focus on the enigma of human existence; the wonder, the emotions and visions of being, the ambitions and fears about our place in the world. Artists such as Leiko Ikemura, Alicja Kwade and Neo Rauch invite the visitor to an exchange of thoughts about this, in a sensual conversation with the sculptures.  Displayed is the upheaval of occupation, the fear of war and the spirit of resistance in the contributions of artists such as Magdalena Abakanowicz, Shinkichi Tajiri and Armando. Atelier van Lieshout refers to power and impotence, struggle and victimhood, in a group of figures around a rider on horseback. On the trail of ARTZUID this work is connected to the Indonesia-Netherland Monument on Apollolaan. These are just a few examples of the more than 60 works that populate ARTZUID. The architectural works by often young artists have a commitment and idealism reminiscent of architect H.P. Berlage and urban sculptor Hildo Krop. Both having been instrumental in developing the urban design of the neighbourhood home to ARTZUID. They stimulate visitors to think about the future of the urban community and seek answers to the question of what strategies are needed to create a sustainable and peaceful society. For the duration of the exhibition, visitors can visit the ARTZUID Information Pavilion, Minervalaan 1 at Amsterdam. A team of community volunteers keeps this pavilion running. Visitors can go there to find the route map, catalogue, ARTZUID audio tour, ARTZUID tours, Hildo Kroptours, Artist Talks, workshops, miniature sculptures and merchandise. After the walk, visitors can relax on the terrace with a snack and a drink. For schools, both primary, secondary and higher education, a variety of teaching materials are available that can be ordered and available digitally from the end of April.

Participating Artists: Arlene Shechet, Art van Triest, Atelier van Lieshout, Alicja Kwade, Armando, Bart Lunenburg, Bastienne Kramer,Britte Koolen, Carin Scholten, Chris Peterson, Cristobal Gabarron, David Bade, David van der Kop, David Nash, Erik Buijs, Eji Watanabe, Esther Jiskoot, Fiona Römpp, Gavin Turk, Helen Vergouwen, Herbert Nouwens, Henk Visch, Hieke Luik, Huub en Adelheid Kortekaas, Isa van Lier, Ilse Oelbers, Iris Le Rütte, Ivan Cremer, Jaume Plensa, Jean-Marie Appriou, Katleen Vinck, Klaas Gubbels, Laura Schurink, Leilah Babirye, Lina Iris Victor, Leiko Ikemura, Lotta Blokker, Louise Schouwenberg, Maja van Hall, Marcel Pinas, Maen Florin, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Marte Röling, Marieke Bolhuis, Margot Berkman, Marion Verboom, Mickey Hoogendijk, Nadia Naveau, Natasja Alers, Nel van Lith, Nelson Carrilho, Neo Rauch, Paloma Varga Weisz, Paul Goede, Rachel Harrison, Rob Schreefel, Rob Voerman, Ronald Westerhuis, Ruud Kuijer, Shinkichi Tajiri, Sjef Voets, Sokari Douglas Camp, Stefan Rinck, Tirzo Martha, Tschabalala Self, Tal R, Tony Cragg, Wouter van der Giessen, Xavier Veilhan, Yoshitomo Nara

Photo left: Batienne Kramer, Trans Mars Von Willendorf, Courtesy the artist and Stichting Art Zuid. Photo right: Stefan Rinck, The Adventure of Freedom & the Owl of Life, Courtesy the artist and Stichting Art Zuid

Info: Curator: Ralph Keuning, ARTZUID, Hacquartstraat 30, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Duration: 21/5-25/9/2025, Days & Hours: Daily 00:00-24:00, https://artzuid.nl/