Dutch Design Week 2023
During Dutch Design Week 2023 (DDW23) you can visit three exhibitions at the Van Abbemuseum.
During Dutch Design Week 2023 (DDW23) you can visit three exhibitions at the Van Abbemuseum.
The space between us
Who or what determines the function of an object? Is a chair still a chair if it is exhibited in a museum? Maker, place and context: they determine the meaning of an object. The space between us questions the function of design and the role of the museum.
The space between us stretches across ten rooms of the Van Abbemuseum's historical building. Works by artists and designers from the museum's collection coincide with works on loan, including a number of works by Design Academy Eindhoven alumni. The starting point of the exhibition is relational design. This form of design explores the influence of objects and their design processes. For example, Finnegan Shannon questions the accessibility of museums. This maker places wooden benches in the exhibition, with texts on them such as 'This exhibition has asked me to stand for too long. Sit if you agree'. The benches are meant for visitors who, for whatever reason, want to take a rest.
The space between us challenges you not only to look, but also to participate. Start interacting with the works you see, the spaces in which they are located and the visitors you encounter. For example, play a game of table football on the FeetBall Rietveld Table by Surasi Kusolwong. In his work you see Dutch clogs and a Gerrit Rietveld table; two internationally renowned examples of Dutch design. With his design, the artist makes you think about the nationalistic character of the sport.
Embassy of Inclusive Society
The space between us was realised in collaboration with the Embassy of Inclusive Society. The Embassy of Inclusive Society is part of World Design Embassies, a programme by Dutch Design Foundation, the founder of Dutch Design Week. The Embassy of Inclusive Society approaches inclusion as a continuous process of learning and unlearning. Relationships with the environment and relating to others are at the heart of this. The Embassy is located at the heart of the exhibition. There, visitors discover the different layers of varying bodily experiences. Outside the exhibition circuit, the visitor will find the Lorem Ipsum installation in which the Embassy visualises guidelines for inclusive and accessible design.
1m2 Collective
For most aspiring designers, no matter how talented, it is not always easy to find a place to exhibit. The 1m2 Collective has a solution for this. In a special installation – composed of work by participating designers – the collective creates 1m2 of accessible exhibition space. This year again within the walls of the Van Abbemuseum.
Tickets
During Dutch Design Week 2023 (21 to 29 October), you can visit the exhibition The space between us only with a DDW ticket. These are also on sale at the Van Abbemuseum box office. The spaces of the Embassy of Inclusive Society are free to visit, as is the programme of activities (do reserve a spot for this). The exhibition Dwarsverbanden can be visited with both a DDW ticket and a museum ticket.