Leading art galleries and institutions organise Art Central Rotterdam XL

For the first time, more than 30 leading Rotterdam art galleries and institutions join forces to organise Art Central Rotterdam XL. During the weekend of March 12 and 13 people can join tours of the galleries and exhibition spaces.

Art Central Rotterdam XL is organised by Art Index Rotterdam Tours. It’s a unique opportunity to experience and discover the flourishing art world of Rotterdam. And to celebrate and further promote Rotterdam’s vibrant visual arts scene as a valuable part of the city. The city is a cultural breeding ground for contemporary art; the galleries and exhibition spaces showcase the latest developments in the visual arts.

Renowned contemporary art gallery Cokkie Snoei joins Art Central Rotterdam XL with an exhibition of Keetje Mans and Marie Reintjes. Kunstinstituut Melly and TENT have free admission during the weekend.

OMI Rotterdam exhibits the work of Gyz La Rivière. He expresses the desire for human contact with a colourful installation of telephone cards and artworks made of LEGO baseplates. Root Gallery is participating with a solo exhibition by photographer Sophie de Vos.

Huis van de Fotografie exhibits the work of Mirella Sahetapy, for her expo she styled and photographed Moluccan girls, hoping to get a glimpse of what her mother was like. Besides Mirella Sahetapy, the five photographers who are based in the House of Photography are also exhibiting: Julia Pelealu, Vivian Ammerlaan, Annelies Diertens, Helma Vlemmings, and Sabine van der Vooren.

Jan Pypers showcases his work at Contour Gallery. Although he was trained as a film producer, Pypers mainly makes pictures that capture his models made of stone, wood, colored paper, and paper mache. Roof-A presents a solo by Sjoerd Knibbeler and Frank van der Salm and previews of Hans Broek and Seet van Hout.

At the Chrysalid Gallery, the artworks of Vladimir Radujkov draw the viewer in and create a trance-like state. The elemental shapes that are the subjects of his creations drift organically within the canvas, resembling the array that metal needles take when arranging themselves in an orderly manner along the lines of a magnetic field.

At WORM the Belgian writer, film director, and photographer Michiel Robberecht shows photos. The waste-robot and trash-superhero KIMBALAMBALA, a performance by Congolese artist Percy Numbi, is also there. Together with several of Rotterdam’s performance artists.

Sleeping is possible during Art Central Rotterdam XL

It’s possible to plan your own route or to book free tours with an experienced art guide. The routes of Art Central Rotterdam XL take you to different locations, where you will get short introductions. It’s a great way to discover artworks and connect with new people. You can reserve spots here. If you need both days to explore everything you can sleep at event partners: Supernova Hotel and Hotel Not Hotel.

In total there are over 30 spots to visit during Art Central Rotterdam XL. If you collect at least 20 different stamps on your flyer you get a chance to win an art voucher worth €400. Those participating must take a picture of the stamps and share it on Facebook and/or Instagram with the tag @artcentralrotterdam no later than Sunday evening, March 13. The winner will be announced online.

Photo: Iris van den Broek