Ecology

In this theme, we zoom in on the relationship between ecology, museums, and art. Art museums are often seen as part of culture, which is frequently viewed as opposed to nature. How should we deal with this contrast at a time when the tension between humans and nature has never been greater?

Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. Not only because of its magnitude but also because it requires us to work together internationally. Only then will measures be effective. Art and culture play various roles in this challenge. They work both as a driver of change and as a means for reflection and contemplation.

Artists addressing climate change

We participate in a project by Jonas Staal and Radha D’Souza, in collaboration with the art platform Framer Framed, which explores how nature can be granted legal personhood and if it can enforce the right to protection. We are also researching the practices of Sung Hwan Kim and Cecilia Vicuna, whose works we plan to exhibit and acquire in the coming years. Sung Hwan Kim's solo exhibition will be on display at the museum from 2 December 2023 to 26 May 2024.

Ecology from the specific context of North Brabant

As a museum of modern and contemporary art, we have traditionally focused on global and universal trends in art history. These often take place in the big cities of the western world. Little attention has been paid to the more immediate, rural surroundings of the Van Abbemuseum, namely Eindhoven and North Brabant. This area is currently one of the larger agricultural regions of the Netherlands. Therefore, the museum is planning to invest in projects that bring together the areas of ecology, agriculture, and art.

Soils

The Soils exhibition is scheduled for 2024. This exhibition is a plea to connect with the soil: the ground we live on. How do we take care of our soil, just as the soil cares for us? Soils offers insight into how artists from different parts of the world connect with the earth in their own ways. The exhibition embraces these differences. There is a vast amount of (intangible) knowledge about the soil. How can we learn from each other, support each other, and establish relationships? Relationships with the land, as well as with each other, take centre stage.

Projects in our garden

We look at our immediate surroundings and the building as well. For example, we collaborate with the artists' collective De Onkruidenier (The Weedsman) and develop projects in our garden such as the annual garden tour. We want to explore ways to acquire work from their practice.

In addition, our museum guide and urban beekeeper Alessandra Scalora has established a bee colony in our front garden. This way, Alessandra does her bit for the environment and nature. "Bees are essential for our food supply. Humanity cannot exist without bees." At the end of the summer, honey is harvested from the museum’s hives, and visitors can buy it in the Museum Shop.