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29 december 2023, Flor Linckens

Zijlmans & Jongenelis: innovation in isolation

At the Shores of the Sea of Resentment, andriesse eyck galerie

Until 13 January 2024, andriesse eyck galerie in Amsterdam is showcasing an exhibition featuring works by the Dutch artist duo that consists of Sylvie Zijlmans and Hewald Jongenelis. Known for their versatile approach, Zijlmans and Jongenelis have a multidisciplinary practice that includes drawing, performance, film, and installation. At andriesse eyck galerie, the duo is presenting a series of recent paintings.

The energetic art of Zijlmans and Jongenelis often reflects upon society and the times we live in. The artists possess the unique ability to intertwine local events and personal experiences with universal themes. This was evident in their solo exhibition 'The Magnetic North & The Idea of Freedom', showcased in 2017 at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. In this exhibition, for instance, they connected the gentrification of Amsterdam North with societal themes such as individual freedom, changing living environments and the refugee crisis. The duo's works are frequently imbued with theatrical and surrealistic elements, transcending mere aesthetic experience and inviting reflection and dialogue.

Het atelier van Sylvie Zijlmans en Hewald Jongenelis

The most recent paintings by Zijlmans and Jongenelis emerged from a period of isolation during the pandemic. This meant that a planned residency programme in South Korea was canceled, but it turned out to be a fruitful period for artistic innovation — without having a meticulously preconceived plan. It resulted in a series of poetic and intriguing paintings in which the artists instinctively responded to each other's actions. This led to grand expressions as well as subtle details. The vibrant works straddle the line between figurative and abstract, with the duo exploring themes such as heritage, doubt, unprocessed trauma, desire, pain, and panic. The exhibition is titled ‘At the Shores of the Sea of Resentment'. Despite the fact that these works were created in what could euphemistically be called a ‘historic’ period, they do not necessarily refer to it. Zijlmans and Jongenelis say, “Although the images in these works originated in a confrontation with the confusing reality of the world around us, the paintings primarily represent themselves.”

Sylvie Zijlmans/Hewald Jongenelis, Big Fail Fun Fair, 2023, andriesse eyck galerie

Sylvie Zijlmans and Hewald Jongenelis were educated at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten and De Ateliers in Amsterdam. Their work has been exhibited internationally, and they have completed various projects for publications including Wallpaper and Faux Q. Earlier this year, they showcased their short psychological horror film "The Mother of All Failure" at PARK in Tilburg, and currently, their work is on display in a group exhibition at New Dakota in Amsterdam. The work of Zijlmans and Jongenelis has been included in the collections of Huis Marseille and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. Additionally, Jongenelis was awarded the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1993.

The exhibition 'At the Shores of the Sea of Resentment' will be on display at andriesse eyck galerie in Amsterdam until 13 January 2024. Please be mindful of potential changes in opening hours during the holiday season and always confirm the latest information by checking the gallery's website and social media before planning your visit.

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Flor Linckens

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29 december 2023, Flor Linckens

Zijlmans & Jongenelis: innovation in isolation

Actuele tentoonstellingen