12 may 2025, Flor Linckens
Amuse: a unique pop-up event in Haarlem
From 24 May to 1 June, Galerie Wilms presents a new edition of 'Amuse' at Kunst Centrum Haarlem. Over 70 artists will showcase small-scale works created especially for the occasion. Each piece is priced at €350 and available only on site. There is no presale, no reservations: those hoping to acquire a work will need to visit in person, ideally on the festive opening night on Friday 23 May.
The format is clear: each work is new, compact in size, yet representative of the artist’s broader oeuvre. The price remains the same for every piece, regardless of the medium or the artist’s renown. Galerie Wilms: “Each artwork offers a taste of the artist’s practice, hence the name ‘Amuse’.”
The concept was launched in 2015 by Galerie Wilms in Venlo as an accessible way to buy art: approachable in form, without compromising on content. The pop-up format has since returned regularly, each time in a different location. Previous editions took place in Venlo and Eindhoven. The biennial exhibition offers an inviting way to discover a wide range of contemporary artists in a short span of time.
'Amuse' brings together a dynamic mix of themes, perspectives and disciplines, ranging from drawings and paintings to sculpture, textiles, ceramics and photography. Galerie Wilms: “The strength of ‘Amuse’ lies in the encounter. Visitors engage with artists, discover surprising work and experience the richness of contemporary art in a relaxed setting. From established names to emerging talents, all participating artists create new work for this event – small in size yet powerful in impact. These works are not available anywhere else.”
During the event, various guided tours (in Dutch) will be led by Leontine Meijer van Mensch, Karin Tang, Michiel Kluiters, Ernst B. Ernst, Shirley Welten and Rosa de Haan.
The exhibition 'Amuse' features work by Aafke Bennema, Aagje Linssen, Aaron van Erp, Andrew March, Anke Roder, Anne van As, Anne-Will Lufting, Anutosh, Ariena Roode, Arno Kramer, Arno Sijben, Barbara van Marle, Beth Namenwirth, Chrystl Rijkeboer, Cindy van Woudenberg, Dai Scheffer, Danielle Lemaire, Danielle van Broekhoven, Elise Klinkert, Emma van Drongelen, Erica Scheper, Erik Buijs, Esther Jiskoot, Fons Schobbers, Frank van Roessel, Frans Franciscus, Gemmy Woud-Binnendijk, Guda Koster, Guus Koenraads, Inge Aanstoot, Ingrid Simons, Inke Brugman, Jans Muskee, Jeroen Vrijsen, Kai Kuper, Kate Studley, Lars den Hertog, Lenneke van der Goot, Linda Arts, Lisanne Hoogerwerf, Lotte van Lieshout, Maarten Fijan, Maartje Meerman, Margot de Jager, Marian Bijlenga, Marie-Claire Greve, Matijs van de Kerkhof, Maurice van Venrooij, Michiel Kluiters, Mickey Philips, Mirjam Abraas, Noortje Haegens, Nikki Pelaez, Nynke Deinema, Olaf Mooij, Patricia Paludanus, Pieter Kusters, Ria Kremer, Rob Looman, Rogier van ’t Slot, Rosa Everts, Rosalynn van Hummel, Sandra Kruisbrink, Sarah Edwards, Shirley Welten, Sigrid van der Mersch, Suzanne Jongmans, Thelma Boateng, Thera Hillenaar, Toon Berghahn, V&B (Alex Jacobs en Ellemieke Schoenmaker), Wim Claessen, Yumiko Yoneda and Yves Beaumont.
