Art Rotterdam 2023: European Galleries Dominate, African Art Underrepresented
The 24th Art Rotterdam took place from February 8 to 12, 2023, at the Van Nelle Fabriek, showcasing galleries primarily from northern Europe, along with some from Spain, France, and Italy. While the fair displayed both abstract and figurative artworks, it notably lacked a focus on contemporary themes, particularly African contemporary art. The Sculpture Park at the Tabaksfabriek featured twelve artists, including Lara Almarcegui and Delphine Courtillot, who addressed issues of climate and biodiversity. Curated by Florence Parot, the collateral exhibition "Warmly" showcased Veronika Babayan and Natacha Mankowski, focusing on art and eco-feminism. Additionally, BRUTUS highlighted Charlotte Schleiffert's "Tolerance Test," while Kunsthal Rotterdam exhibited Sabiha Çimen's "Hafiz" (until May 7) and "Women's Palette" (until April 10), emphasizing female artists.
Key facts
- Art Rotterdam 2023 was the 24th edition, held February 8-12 at Van Nelle Fabriek.
- Only European galleries participated, mainly from northern Europe, Spain, France, and Italy.
- African contemporary art was underrepresented despite its growth.
- Sculpture Park featured 12 artists including Lara Almarcegui, Delphine Courtillot, Caroline Coolen.
- Collateral exhibition 'Warmly' at The huidenclub curated by Florence Parot.
- Charlotte Schleiffert's 'Tolerance Test' at BRUTUS is an immersive installation with hybrid creatures.
- Sabiha Çimen's 'Hafiz' at Kunsthal Rotterdam documents Turkish girls in Quran schools.
- Women's Palette at Kunsthal Rotterdam features 24 Dutch female avant-garde artists.
- Turkey withdrew from the Istanbul Convention in March 2021.
- Women were allowed into Dutch art academies only from 1871.
Entities
Artists
- Lara Almarcegui
- Delphine Courtillot
- Caroline Coolen
- Veronika Babayan
- Natacha Mankowski
- Natsuko Uchino
- Florence Parot
- Charlotte Schleiffert
- Kimberley Agyarko
- Sabiha Çimen
- Charley Toorop
- Lou Loeber
- Else Berg
- Charlotte van Pallandt
- Rebecca van Gelder
- Hanny Korevaar
- Niccolò Lucarelli
Institutions
- Art Rotterdam
- Van Nelle Fabriek
- Tabaksfabriek
- The huidenclub
- ISO Amsterdam
- Dirty Art Department
- Sandberg Instituut
- BRUTUS
- Kunsthal Rotterdam
- Museum De Wieger
- Artribune
Locations
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Amsterdam
- Turkey
- Kars
- Germany
- Deurne