AkzoNobel Art Foundation to Hold a 25th Anniversary Exhibition

Date: 29/10/2021
AkzoNobel art gallery

A special exhibition opens to the public to celebrate the silver jubilee of AkzoNobel Art Foundation.

The coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel is holding a special exhibition at the AkzoNobel Art Space in Amsterdam to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation. Entitled “All Eyes”, it is focused on humankind and the concept that when people observe others, they are watched in return. The main gallery, designed by Tom Postma Design, is shaped like a city boulevard 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. 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,” stated Hester Alberdingk Thijm, Director of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation.

The exhibition showcases artworks created by both young talents and internationally renowned artists, such as Otobong Nkanga, Remy Jungerman, Melanie Bonajo, Afra Eisma, Ger van Elk, Susan Hiller, Louise Giovanelli, Yael Bartana, Emma Talbot, Roger Hiorns and Jan Andriesse. Rein Wolfs, the Director of the Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam, will inaugurate exhibition and Luyi, one of the finalists of the Prinses Christina Jazz Concours 2020, will perform live. The free-to-access gallery is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm.

“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. Of almost 1,800 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,” commented Thierry Vanlancker, AkzoNobel CEO and Chair of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation.

To celebrate the anniversary, AkzoNobel Art Foundation also published the exclusive magazine “We Are The Collection” in 2020, a collection of greatest moments, special acquisitions and reflections by artists, curators and supporters.