In Beetsterzwaag I presented my work VISITING ALL PUBLIC BENCHES IN A 500 METRES RADIUS ON A 5 KILOMETRES WALK WITH 83 OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONTEMPLATION. It consisted of a display of pictures of the views from all 83 public benches within the 500 metres radius I set and a walk visiting all these public benches with an inspirational quote for each public bench. The work forms a contemplative portrait of the village, is a reminder to not always keep going and at the same times disputes the notion that you can determine your own destiny by focusing on your goals. Life is not black and white, I intend to make you think about issues but don’t pretend to have the answers or solutions.

It was great to present this work in the beautiful park in Beetsterzwaag to all visitors who showed up despite the weather (lots of rain and wind and some short moments very sunny). It was part of the Kunstweekend organised annually by Culturele Hoofdstraat.

If you are interested I still have some issues available of the publication on this project. It is an A6-size guidebook with 83 inspirational quotes and an insert with a map and pictures of the views from all 83 public benches. Available in the webshop.

My latest work will be on show at Culturele Hoofdstraat 2024 in Beetsterzwaag. In the weekend of July 6 and 7, some 30 artists will take over Beetsterzwaag for the annual ‘Culturele Hoofdstraat’. It is an honour to be part of this and show my work in the gardens near the ‘Tropische Kas’.

I made a new work especially for Culturele Hoofdstraat 2024. It consist of an outdoor photography exhibition and a conceptual art walk. I hope to meet many of you there!

VISITING ALL PUBLIC BENCHES IN A 500 METRES RADIUS ON A 5 KILOMETRES WALK WITH 83 OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONTEMPLATION

Public benches are a reminder for the walker to take a moment to rest, contemplate on the road travelled and on the goals ahead. At Culturele Hoofdstraat I will show you my walk through Beetsterzwaag where in a 500 metres radius we find no less than 83 public benches. The views from these benches form a contemplative portrait of the village.

The portrait formed by 83 views will be on show in the gardens near ‘Tropische Kas’. For a live view you can put on your walking shoes and visit all 83 benches yourself. Scan the QR-code and follow the directions on your phone or buy the small guidebook.

My guidebook will give you directions on your walk through Beetsterzwaag and 83 inspirational quotes to guide you through the journey that is your life. Take each bench as a chance for contemplation and expand your horizon, find new destinations and reach your goals.

While benches are seen as reminders to contemplate, quotes are to be seen as the fast-track to a meaningful contemplation. Short soundbytes from famous people, taken completely out of context, are the ultimate form of wisdom compressed into just some letters on a page. With 83 quotes this guide will provide you with all the wisdom you need on your walks.

The book is a small pocket-size guide with quotes, a fold-out map and all 83 views from public benches. This self-published publication will be available for only 12 euro at the exhibition in Beetsterzwaag or just let me know you want one.

Culturele Hoofdstraat 2024
Tropische Kas, opposite Hoofdstraat 80, Beetsterzwaag
Saturday July 6 and Sunday July 7, 11-17 h.

Very excited to invite you all to my show at Kunstgarage Franx in my hometown Zoetermeer. Opening August 26 it will run till October 8. The show is about dedication, preparation and expectation. These themes are explored in the world of music.

The title comes from an inscription above the score for ‘Vexations’ by Eric Satie. A piano piece that will be performed September 30 within the exhibition. In fact I see the exhibition as a preparation for the performance of this piece. The performance will take up to 24 hours. Written in 1893 it’s first performance was set up by John Cage in the 1960’s. More background on this performance: A dangerous and evil piano piece.

Pictures from my series The music venues and The rehearsal spaces will be included as well as a 3D 360-degree film if I can sort out the technical side in time.

Official opening will be on Saturday August 26, 16-18h. Hope to see you all there!

Finally added a webshop to my website for the sale of some smaller items like books and posters. The main item for now is my book ‘Highway retreats’ which is a 2022 re-issue of my book ‘Langs de snelweg’ from 2016. Really happy with how it turned out. Also selling older items like my limited edition book ‘Hedwigepolder’ from 2017 and a poster I made from my project ‘The views from all public benches in a 500 metres radius around my home’. The title really tells you what you will get.

All items can be send to your place or you can select local pickup as shipping option and we arrange a time for you to come and pick it up in Zoetermeer.

In my preparations for This Art Fair (7 – 10 July 2022 in Amsterdam) I have decided to print a reissue of my book ‘Highway retreats’. I made two copies of this book in 2016 under the Dutch title ‘Langs de snelweg’. The new edition has a slightly improved design and a short text on the concept. It will be available in an edition of 100 copies.

The book is A5 size hardcover and contains all 47 images of my series Highway retreats. It will be available for 20 euros at This Art Fair. Or contact me for earlier availability.

Looking back on a very successful exhibition in The Hague with my friends Sandra Minten and Bibi Joan. I showed my very first multimedia installation, Morning routine. We welcomed over 400 visitors over the course of two long weekends. Much more then we expected and very nice to talk to all of you and receive your comments.

We had the honour of the mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, opening our exhibition. He was impressed by the different works on show and really took his time to talk to us.

Thanks Boris Cremers for taking pictures.

Expo coming up!

March 24 – April 3, 2022
Festive opening: March 25, 17.00 h. (with Jan van Zanen, mayor of The Hague)
KV02, Korte Vijverberg 2, The Hague

Please let us know you’re coming by getting your free ticket for the festive opening.

Let yourself be carried away in this special exhibition by David de Haan, Sandra Minten, and Bibi-Joan. Together, they present three different projects that form a coherent whole through an overlapping interest: connection. Through photography and video installations they tickle your mind with interesting questions.

How do we connect with ourselves and with each other?

How can we take the time to really see and feel the people and environment around us?

David, Sandra and Bibi-Joan invite you to pause for a moment, experience what you perceive through different senses, and from there enter the world with a new perspective.

You can visit the exhibition from 24th march till 3rd april 2022.
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday 12.00-17.00