Art historian Ralph Keuning is curating the Amsterdam Sculpture Biennale Artzuid 2025 which, takes place from May 21 to September 21 on Apollolaan, Minervalaan and Zuidas in Amsterdam-South. This 9th edition of Artzuid is titled Enlightenment and celebrates the 750th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam, with an ode to its freedom and tolerance.

Curator Ralph Keuning: "The liberal spirit of Amsterdam is a mental state that makes this city a place of freedom, tolerance, solidarity as well as a breeding ground for new ideas. As a trading city, Amsterdam has been a point of departure from which the world's oceans have been sailed, while also having attracted independent people from all over the world for centuries, who have helped shape it into the metropolis it is today. The title Enlightenment references the belief in progress that characterized the 18th century. A century of reason in which science and art flourished and the foundation for our democracy was laid. Simultaneously, the city has the dark history of colonialism. This paradox of progress and flourishing on the one hand and exclusion and persecution on the other is just as topical now as it was then, and is part of the discourse in the city, in art and thus, on the green lanes of Artzuid 2025. At the other end of the spectrum, Enlightenment can also be understood literally as easing our worries, relaxing, dreaming away, fantasizing and finding beauty. We also want to bring that about with this edition of Artzuid."

Artzuid 2025 - Enlightenment

This exhibition draws from top international artists and Dutch talent for the selection of sculptures and installations that can be seen this summer in Amsterdam. Artzuid transforms the exhibition location into a surreal urban landscape in which figurative sculptures alternate with architectonic installations. They show a great variety in format and material. What unites them is their focus on the enigma of human existence; the wonder, the emotions and visions of being, the ambitions and fears about our place in the world. Artists such as Leiko Ikemura, Alicja Kwade and Neo Rauch invite the visitor to an exchange of thoughts about this, in a sensual conversation with the sculptures. Displayed is the upheaval of occupation, the fear of war and the spirit of resistance in the contributions of artists such as Magdalena Abakanowicz, Shinkichi Tajiri and Armando. Atelier van Lieshout refers to power and impotence, struggle and victimhood, in a group of figures around a rider on horseback. On the trail of Artzuid this work is connected to the Indonesia-Netherland Monument on Apollolaan. These are just a few examples of the more than 60 works that populate Artzuid.

The architectural works by often young artists have a commitment and idealism reminiscent of architect H.P. Berlage and urban sculptor Hildo Krop. Both having been instrumental in developing the urban design of the neighbourhood home to Artzuid. They stimulate visitors to think about the future of the urban community and seek answers to the question of what strategies are needed to create a sustainable and peaceful society.

Artzuid director Cintha van Heeswijck: "The reason for the current exhibition concept is the increasing polarization in the city in the anniversary year. We can never take freedom and tolerance for granted, we always have to take up the barricades for it. With this exhibition we want to contribute to tolerance and fraternity; art on the street creates a place of encounter. Artzuid 2025 wants to offer visitors inspiration and perspective."

Public program

For the duration of the exhibition, visitors can visit the Artzuid Information Pavilion, Minervalaan 1 at Amsterdam. A team of community volunteers keeps this pavilion running. Visitors can go there to find the route map, catalogue, Artzuid audio tour, Artzuid tours, Hildo Kroptours, Artist Talks, workshops, miniature sculptures and merchandise. After the walk, visitors can relax on the terrace with a snack and a drink. For schools, both primary, secondary and higher education, a variety of teaching materials are available that can be ordered and available digitally from the end of April.

Cintha van Heeswijck: "It is incredibly important to introduce children to art at an early age. They learn to think out of the box. Nothing is crazy, everything is possible. With art we try to broaden their horizons and be open to the new and different."

Participating artists Artzuid 2025

Ai Weiwei (CN), Arlene Shechet (USA), Art van Triest (NL), Atelier van Lieshout (NL), Alicja Kwade (POL), Armando (NL), Bart Lunenburg (NL), Bastienne Kramer (NL), Britte Koolen (NL), Carin Scholten (NL), Chris Peterson (NL), Cristobal Gabarron (ESP), David Bade (CW), David van der Kop (NL), David Nash (GB), Eji Watanabe (JAP), Erik Buijs (NL), Esther Jiskoot (NL), Fiona Römpp (NL), Gavin Turk (GB), Helen Vergouwen (NL), Herbert Nouwens (NL) Henk Visch (NL), Hieke Luik (NL), Huub en Adelheid Kortekaas (NL), Isa van Lier (NL), Ivan Cremer (NL), Jaume Plensa (SP), Jean-Marie Appriou (FR), Katleen Vinck (BE), Klaas Gubbels (NL), Laura Schurink (NL), Leilah Babirye (USA), Lina Iris Victor (GB), Leiko Ikemura (JAP), Lotta Blokker (NL), Louise Schouwenberg (NL), Maja van Hall (NL), Marcel Pinas (SUR), Maen Florin (BE), Magdalena Abakanowicz (POL), Marte Röling (NL), Marieke Bolhuis (NL), Margot Berkman (NL), Marion Verboom (FR), Mickey Hoogendijk (NL), Nadia Naveau (BE), Natasja Alers (NL), Nel van Lith (NL), Nelson Carrilho (NL), Neo Rauch (DE), Paloma Varga Weisz (DE), Rob Schreefel (NL), Rachel Harrison (GB), Rob Voerman (NL), Ronald Westerhuis (NL),Ruud Kuijer (NL), Shinkichi Tajiri (JAP), Sjef Voets (NL), Sokari Douglas Camp (GB), Stefan Rinck (DE), Tirzo Martha (CW), Tschabalala Self (USA), Tal R (DEN), Tony Cragg (GB), Wjm Kok (NL), Wouter van der Giessen (NL), Xavier Veilhan (FR), Yoshitomo Nara (JAP).