From 21 March through the end of April, Fenix presents a special exhibition marking 75 years of Moluccan history in the Netherlands. This curated showcase explores the journey of the Moluccan community, blending art, personal memory, and migration stories. Visitors are invited to reflect on displacement, cultural identity, and adaptation, gaining both historical insight and a deeply human perspective on the Moluccan diaspora.
Moluccan stories through art The exhibition highlights works by Ben Manusama and Lucas Silawanebessy, with Silawanebessy’s photographic series If You See Her, Say Hello taking centre stage. In this series, the 22 barracks of his childhood are transformed into almost human presences, capturing the lives of families for whom temporary housing became a lasting home. From Indonesia to the Netherlands In 1951, thousands of Moluccan families arrived in the Netherlands, including Silawanebessy, who was just two years old. Many were placed in former wartime camps, including Kamp Vught, where preserved barracks became a home for a new generation. The exhibition uses these personal histories to highlight the broader migration experience and the challenges of building a life in a foreign country. Migration, memory, and identity Through art, Fenix connects individual stories to universal themes of migration and belonging. The exhibition offers a contemplative look at how historical events shape cultural identity, making it a must-see for visitors interested in art, history, and the human stories behind migration. This special presentation runs for a limited time and forms part of Fenix’s ongoing commitment to exploring migration, diversity, and cultural heritage in the Netherlands. Visit Fenix in Rotterdam to experience this moving tribute to Moluccan history and culture.
