ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Rob Van Erve's Monumental Golden Staircase Exhibition at Accola Griefen Gallery

exhibition · 2026-04-22

Rob Van Erve, a Dutch-born artist based in Brooklyn, presented a solo exhibition titled 'Operae Pretium Est' at Accola Griefen Gallery from September 6 to October 13, 2012. The show featured a large-scale golden staircase constructed from luxury materials, which visitors were encouraged to climb, alongside sculptures and paper collages. One sculpture notably bisected a gallery wall. The Latin title, translating loosely to 'It is Worthwhile,' alluded to the meticulous handcraft involved in creating the works and drew a connection between the staircase and theatrical opera stage designs. The exhibition was highlighted in artcritical's October 2012 listings, located at 547 West 27th Street in New York.

Key facts

  • Rob Van Erve is a Dutch-born artist residing in Brooklyn.
  • The exhibition 'Operae Pretium Est' ran from September 6 to October 13, 2012.
  • It was held at Accola Griefen Gallery in New York.
  • A monumental golden staircase made from luxury materials was a central piece, inviting visitor interaction.
  • Sculptures included one that bisected a gallery wall, along with collages on paper.
  • The Latin title translates loosely to 'It is Worthwhile.'
  • The title references the painstaking handwork and links the staircase to opera stage settings.
  • The show was featured in artcritical's October 2012 listings.

Entities

Artists

  • Rob Van Erve

Institutions

  • Accola Griefen Gallery
  • artcritical

Locations

  • The Netherlands
  • Brooklyn
  • New York
  • United States

Sources