Book Launch Spirits of the Soil | Decoratelier Nationale Opera & Ballet | Amsterdam | 2018

As a support act for Raquel van Haver's solo exhibition 'Spirits of the Soil' in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, CBK Zuidoost presented an exclusive pre-opening in the Decoratelier Nationale Opera & Ballet in Holendrecht, where a large part of the works from the solo show will be on display. A festive evening full of food, drink, dance, and in collaboration with Raquel's artistic circle from the Bijlmer as a prelude to Spirits of the Soil and with the spotlight on this 'local hero'. Moreover, the occasion is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Amsterdam Bijlmermeer.

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Partners who co-organize the event with CBK Zuidoost and Raquel van Haver are Vinger.nl and HOBU Amsterdam, and through the collaborations, with the Stedelijk Museum and DNO (De Nationale Opera & Ballet), the event will also have a metropolitan dimension. Moreover, the event is part of the extensive contemporary art program of Amsterdam Art Weekend.

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The private dinner/network evening for guests brings together various groups, such as art professionals (makers, collectors, funds, and programmers), policymakers from local politics and cultural institutions, representatives of the media (influencers and journalists),  and others involved in the development from Amsterdam-Zuidoost 

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“Food and drink is the great unifying factor in these communities. The meal is the moment when everyone comes together, exchanges news, and where the mutual ranking is confirmed.”

- Raquel van Haver

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As in the scenes in her paintings, the food is the central event of the evening, a large, richly filled table as the centerpiece. The evening will also be graced by performances by artists and DJs, an artist talk about the work in the show, a film viewing of the educational program of the Stedelijk Museum, and a sneak preview of the catalog belonging to Spirits of the Soil.