In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation’s collection, a special exhibition opens to the public today in the AkzoNobel Art Space in Amsterdam.
Humankind is at the heart of the jubilee exhibition, which is entitled All Eyes. It plays with the idea that whenever we observe others, there’s a good chance we’re being watched in return. The main gallery runs like a city boulevard through the exhibition, a layout by Tom Postma Design that reflects the many connections shared by humanity.
"Since the AkzoNobel Art Foundation was established in 1995, its aim has been to acquire works that reflect the world as we experience it,” says Hester Alberdingk Thijm, Director of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation. "We look for artists who are questioning and transforming our global society. All Eyes is the culmination of 25 years of powerful images and stories.”
Artworks displayed in the exhibition are by both young talent and internationally renowned artists, including Otobong Nkanga, Remy Jungerman, Melanie Bonajo, Afra Eisma, Ger van Elk, Susan Hiller, Louise Giovanelli, Yael Bartana, Emma Talbot, Roger Hiorns and Jan Andriesse.
"The AkzoNobel Art Foundation is generally regarded as one of the most progressive corporate collections in Europe, in part because it’s always held diversity as an important tenet,” says Thierry Vanlancker, AkzoNobel CEO and Chair of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation. "Of almost 1800 artworks, half have been created by women and many are by non-western artists. In this new exhibition, we’re proud to celebrate that diversity and the pioneering spirit we share in art, science and business.”
Rein Wolfs, the Director of the Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam will be opening the All Eyes exhibition. Afterwards, Luyi, who is one of the finalists of the Prinses Christina Jazz Concours 2020, will give a live performance. To follow the event in real time via posts and stories, follow @AkzoNobel on Instagram.
The Art Foundation has been celebrating its silver jubilee over the past year. In 2020, the AkzoNobel Art Foundation published an exclusive magazine – We Are The Collection – to share the collection’s greatest moments, special acquisitions and reflections by artists, curators and supporters.
All Eyes is now on show, free of charge, in the AkzoNobel Art Space from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm, and on request. To learn more, visit artfoundation.akzonobel.com and follow @akzonobelartfoundation on Instagram.
