Opening Art Space
After 20 years of collecting, the AkzoNobel Art Foundation unlocked its collection of international contemporary art to the public on January 27th 2016 by opening its very own AkzoNobel Essential Art Space on the ground floor of the new AkzoNobel Center on the Zuidas, Amsterdam.
The AkzoNobel Art Space
The AkzoNobel Essential Art Space has been designed by Tom Postma Design, (known for his excellent exhibition concepts for among others Art Basel and the TEFAF) in cooperation with the architect of the building, Folkert van Hagen (GROUP A). In this dynamic and modular open space, the AkzoNobel Art Foundation shows and shares its collection of international contemporary art.
The design – which has exciting sight lines that reveal different angles, perspectives, combinations of artworks and most important, that draws people is – is a new way of exhibiting art, freely accessible to the public during work hours. A place to meet and mingle, to have lunch and to lounge. A space for inspiration and contemplation, for research and innovation. Dynamic and ever-changing; like a satellite of AkzoNobel – constantly moving.
Culture of Colors
For its first exhibition, the Art Foundation has chosen the title 'Culture of Colors'. It explored the main themes and various layers in the collection – reflecting on existence and the endless roles color plays in it. Culture of Colors – an exhibition dedicated to 20 years of collecting, to contemporary masters and to emerging talent, an exhibition dedicated to color as the most transformative power in the world!
In Culture of Colors, artworks were presented as connected elements that touch, connect and inspire viewers, reflecting on universal topics such as the human condition, giving comfort, asking questions, to engage and surprise. Color, in all its complexity, is a connecting element that is explored in different cabinets and corners of the Art Space.
Concept and context are important markers in the exhibition with, light and color as major motifs. As a leading global paints and coatings company, AkzoNobel adds color to the lives of millions worldwide. To be able to do so, innovation, looking forward, and always being on top of the latest developments in – for instance – sustainability, architecture, design, art and fashion is crucial. However, we do realize that we are very much indebted to the color research of many artists over hundreds of years.
Creativity stands at the core of all progress.
The various sections of the Art Space such as “Power of Pigments”, “Beyond Green”, “Evoking Color”, “Sublime Splendor”, “Colors of Identity” and “Colors of Fame” each focused on specific topics and questions, using color as a leading and connecting element, functioning as a research lab, offered a glimpse of our future, while reminding us of our shared history and heritage.
