The Bohemian

1

INTRODUCTIONS

Members from right to left

Barnabás Áron Somogyi, Art History

I always like to learn new things, so I would be happy if I could broaden someone's horizons even a little bit. I have always loved art in every shape and form. I love bad weather, moody films, melancholic music and the comfort that comes from well-prepared meals.

Just how much I hate introductions … Since arriving at University all I do is, say my name, my programme, talk about my home country and force my cheeks into a welcoming smile while trying to pay attention to others doing the same. I’ve had enough! I’m not going to write where I’m from or what programme I’m in. I don’t care! By the way, I hope you will enjoy our magazine, we sure did enjoy making it!

Anastazja Twarowska, ACM

Hello, my name is Anastazja, I’m doing first year of ACM and in my further education I will be focusing on theatre and literature. My hobbies revolve around all kinds of art. I love literature, history and art history. I’m also a big fan of music (I constantly make too many playlists on my sportify) and create fake scenarios in my head since reality is brutally disappointing.

Katharina Kriz, ACM

Hey, my name is Katty, I’m in my first year of ACM, studying Film and Literature, but really I love all kinds of art. This is also reflected in my free time, which I like to spend exploring new artists and creative hobbies, reading, and playing the piano. I’m most interested in how the arts connect to our society and culture and what we can achieve through them, which is why I hope I can bring the arts closer to you in this magazine and give you something that makes you connect with the arts in your life.

Enjoy reading!

Veronika Shevchenko, Art History Hey, nice to meet you, my name is Veronika, I’m studying Art History and I’m excited to explore the Art in Groningen with you. I believe that every place has art in it. All it takes is to look around. My rubric is designed to light up Groningen’s fascinating galleries, museums, architecture, installations, street artworks and much more so we can get to know the city better.

Aleksandra Sołtys, ACM Hi, I'm Ola and I'm a first year ACM student, studying film and music. Since I joined the committee, I wanted to focus on sharing knowledge about unusual, unknown, brand new or forgotten artists and cultures.

I

TABLE OF CONTENTS Art Binocular Taking a Look around the World through 5 Art News

A Journey through the magical Properties of Perfume

Behind the Bright

1 6 9

Ranpo Edogawa Profile

Art in Groningen

12

Dreckschnabel

Interview Talk with Dr. Leo Delfgaauw

17

Monthly Taste of Culture

25

Artsy Minds

27

Comic

28 II

III

ART BINOCULAR Taking a Look around the World through 5 Art News UK Art and History Museum classifies Roman Emperor Elagabalus as a trans Woman The North Hertfordshire Museum in the UK has classified the Roman Emperor Elagabalus as a transgender woman and will from now on use female pronouns for the ruler in their descriptions. The decision was made together with the LGBT charity Stonewall, after it was Roman

Coins showing Elagabalus (Source: Wikimedia.org)

documents state that Elagabalus wanted to be

Other experts however, like Keith Hoskins,

referred to as a “lady”.

executive member of the “Enterprise and Arts

discovered

that

some

Ancient

at North Herts” Council, believe that these Elagabalus, who assumed the Roman throne at

accounts are evidence for Elaga-balus being

the age of 14 is a controversial historical figure

trans and wanting to be referred to as a woman,

and there has been a long-standing debate over

He states that “pronouns are not a new thing”

the leaders gender identity between academics.

and thinks that museums should reflect this in

Some scholars, like Dr. Shushma Malik, a

contemporary discussions about historical

classics Professor at the University of Cam-

figures.

bridge, claim that effeminate lan-guage was often used in Ancient Rome to slander political

A spokesperson for the North Hertford-shire

figures like the Emperor, and that we therefore

Museum has explained that it was “only polite

cannot be sure of Elagabalus’ gender. While

and respectful to be sensitive to identifying

there are accounts of the ruler wearing makeup

pronouns for people in the past”.

and wigs, these could have been written to “undermine the unpopular Emperor”.

1

Newly restored Music composed at Auschwitz to be played in London The young British composer and conductor

There, he heard of the musical scores and

Leo Geyer (31), who is currently completing his

manuscripts discovered at Auschwitz, that had

doctorate for music and composition at the

not been further studied for almost 80 years. In

University of Oxford, has recently finished

an interview with CNN Geyer said: “I knew

restoring fragments of the music that was dis-

there were orchestras in Auschwitz and that was

covered

of

what we were talking about because, as a

Auschwitz, and will play them with his orch-

musician, it was something I was interested in.”

in

the

concentration

camp

estra in an upcoming performance in London.

In total, around 210 musical compositions had been found, though large parts had been destroyed, which made the pieces almost impossible

to

restore.

Geyer

said

that

reconstructing the music was “like trying to remember a novel, word by word, but music is immensely more complicated.” During his work, he returned to Poland four more times and has conducted detailed research into the orchestras at

Nazi concentration camps,

especially the one at Auschwitz.

The music will be performed at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London by Geyer’s Constella Music orchestra, under the name “Orchestras of Auschwitz''. Part of the orchestra is Simon Leo Geyer, composer and conductor (Source:baselessfabric.co.uk)

Wallfisch, whose grandmother, Anita Lasker-

In 2015 Geyer travelled to Auschwitz because

stated that she only survived her year at

he was asked to compose a piece in memory of

Auschwitz because she joined the camp

the British holocaust expert Martin Gilbert,

orchestra. In an interview with the Holocaust

who had died earlier that year. As he is not

Memorial Day Trust she said: “as long as the

Jewish himself, he wanted to visit the site to

Germans wanted an orchestra, it would have

experience the necessary “sense of the gravity”

been counter-productive to kill us.”

Wallfisch, is a holocaust survivor. She has

– as he stated – of the work of Gilbert.

2

Banksy’s Identity revealed in a 20 year old resurfaced Interview?

Banksy’s secret identity has been one of the

Mail as the “unmasked” Banksy in 2008, while

most famous debates in the art world, since the

others believe that Banksy is a collective of

street artist’s emergence in the early 2000s,

artist, rather than just one person.

with various UK artists having been linked to the name, like comic book illustrator Jamie

In the full rediscovered interview Banksy also

Hewlett or Robert Del Naja, part of the British

talks about how he sees his work not as

trip-hop band “Massive Attack”, though both of

vandalism but as “a quicker way of making

them have denied the claims.

your point”, adding that: “other people, they can change it. They can get rid of it. […] It is

Now, ten years after an interview between

equally somebody else’s right to go out and

Banksy and Nigel Wrench, former BBC arts

paint over it if they don’t like it.” He further

correspondent,

explained that he sees the city as a “big

the

2003

recording

has

resurfaced and seems to reveal the artist’s

playground” which they can “mess about in”.

identity – or does it?

The resurfaced interview is part of the podcast Interviews with Banksy are rare and this early

series “The Banksy Story” and was released as

one provides the unique chance to hear the

a special clip on November 21st 2023.

artist’s voice and information about his first name. In the interview, Wrench asks Banksy if he could use his real name, assuming his name to be “Robert Banks”. To this the then 20 yearold Banksy responded with: “It’s Robbie”.

Variations of Robbie, Robert or Robin have been continuously suggested as names for Banksy, with the artist Robert Gunningham from Bristol having been described by the Daily

3

Art Rally for Earthquake Victims in Marocco continues On the 8th of September 2023 a massive

raise money for rebuilding parts of the affected

earthquake hit the High Atlas Mountains in

cities. Further auctions are planned in Decem-

Morocco, affecting thousands of people, with

ber.

almost 3000 deaths. The catastrophe also

Another crucial organisation has been the

destroyed large parts of the infrastructure and

“Artists for Morocco” collective of artists,

over 50 000 houses, according to the BBC.

which was brought into life by the editor Samira

The damage also includes important historical

Larouci, the designer Ismail Elaaddioui and the

sites like the ancient Jewish quarter in the city

photographer Anass Quaziz, immediately after

of Marrakech. Many of the city’s museums and

the earthquake hit. The organisation has raised

art installations have been affected as well and

210 000 € so far and plans to continue its work,

art organisations within the country have

mainly donating the money towards the “Rif

organised some projects to help with the

Tribes Foundation”, which supports secluded

rebuilding and recovery of the city.

villages, which otherwise can’t get much help, and the “Amal Women’s Training Centre”,

Museums in the centre of the city have been

which is a women’s charity for food delivery. In

especially affected, with severe structural

total, “Artists for Morocco” has provided help

damage and the danger of the buildings

across 16 villages for more than 2700 people.

collapsing. But not only art museums have suffered,

many

artists

have

lost

their

Larouci, one of the founders, states that this

workspaces or even their homes, like M’barek

organisation has proven “art’s ability to heal”

Bouhchichi, whose studio was located near the

and looks forward to promoting Moroccan

Atlas Mountains and was extremely damaged

artists along with international artists, through

by the earthquake.

and after the crisis, with a special focus on promoting local artists. She also highlights how

In light of this crisis, many organisations and

crucial it is for “Artists for Morocco” to

institutions have collected and donated money

continue its work especially in the winter

to the local communities since September, like

months, where many people live in tents and

the commercial gallery “Comptoir des Mines”,

will not be shielded from the cold.

which raised 100 000 €.

Eric Falt, regional director of the UNESCO in

On the 28th of October, an auction was held at

Maghreb has announced on the 21st of

the “Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and

November, that UNESCO will support Mo-

Contemporary Art” in Rabat, which included

rocco in the recovery of what was lost.

many professional artists, and which helped 4

A stolen Van Gogh worth Millions was returned in an Ikea Bag At dawn on the 30th of March 2020 – Van

the painting would have to pay a large fine.

Gogh’s birthday – a Van Gogh painting called

Brand stated that: “we knew that the painting

“The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring”,

would go from one hand to another hand in the

made in 1884, was stolen from the Singer Laren

criminal world, but that nobody really wanted

Museum in the Netherlands. The artwork,

to touch it [because] you could only get in

estimated to be worth between 3.2 and 6.4

trouble.”

million dollars, was a loan from the Groninger Museum.

Now Arthur Brand, a world-renowned Dutch “art detective”, who has been described as the “Indiana Jones of the art world” has recovered the painting, stating that it was delivered to his apartment by an anonymous person, wrapped in an Ikea bag.

Arthur Brand withe the returned Van Gogh (Source: The Guardian)

The police believe that the person returning the artwork was not involved in the theft, as they

Brand has helped to recover more than 200

have identified the robber as Nils M., who also

paintings, many from famous painters such as

stole a Frans Hal painting in 2020, and who was

Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, together with

sentenced to 8 years of prison and a payment of

some other items, like a gold ring gifted to

9 million dollars to compensate for the Hal’s

someone by Oscar Wilde.

painting.

The Groninger Museum has assessed the Van

Apparently, the Van Gogh painting circulated

Gogh painting and has stated that the painting

through

was

was stored in bad conditions and the quality has

ultimately unwanted because the thief had

therefore deteriorated but that it ultimately still

already been convicted, so anyone found with

is in good condition.

the

criminal

network

but

Katharina Kriz

5

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MAGICAL PROPERTIES OF PERFUME For centuries, perfume has been associated

was crucial for a journey to leave the worldly

with magic, witchcraft, and sorcery. Its charm

life. Mehret - seven sacred oils (festival scent

lies not only in triggering memories and

oil, jubilation oil, pine oil, rejoining oil, support

emotions, but also in a belief that it possesses

oil, cedar oil and Libyan oil) were believed to

magical power. For years many mystical

invoke the divine “breath of life” of spirit Akh

narratives around perfume flourished across

- the spirit of a deceased person enabling the

cultures as people shared fascinations about its

soul to assume any form which made it possible

potential.

to travel to the afterlife. They calmed the gods, helped to connect deceased parts, and supported

We all tend to associate nice fragrances with

them during the journey. The opening of the

good and awful odours with bad, but it’s much

mouth ritual also served a purpose so those who

more complicated than that. To start with, the

passed away and temple statues could breathe

Kapsiki people of Cameroon are an example

the scents of cut lotus flowers and oils and

that proves how subjective it can be.

ingest the spiritual energy from the offerings.

Traditionally for them, cow dung perfume is

Interestingly, the same fragrances were used in

perceived as a status marker of wealth and

medicine, cosmetics or as religious offerings to

prosperity, in opposition to the fishy smell of

gods.

the low class of fishermen, thus it’s eagerly used to appear more sophisticated. Historically,

Europe, for centuries, centred its focus on

nice scents were often regarded as ambrosial

herbs, elevating scents to a prominent place

and delicious, powerful but also very dangerous

since ancient times. In Greece, fragrances were

and it was the same for those who dabbled in

the foundation for sorcery. Plants were regarded

perfumery.

as so potent that they could affect gardeners; it was even recommended for root cutters to

Egyptian funerary traditions of oil balming the

consume garlic and drink wine before work to

bodies involved various fragrant oils used for

shield themselves from dangers of other crops.

purification and preservation since it was

Moreover, aromantic plants were widely

believed that the state someone was buried in 6

associated with divinity as those who worked

purification and blessings, a practice commonly

with them were usually priests. It was mostly

known as smudging. This ritual held special

women that dealt with those potent plants and

significance, particularly during the dawn of the

the consciousness around powerful witches

New Year. This custom served as a link between

started emerging.

the earthly and the spiritual, but also the Celtic people and their surroundings.

An early example would be Medea - a skilled priestess able to put to sleep a beast with

In the Middle Ages, a shift of focus in how

narcotic herbs, or to rejuvenate Aeson by

smells function happened. Widely used in

creating a bath in herbs and his blood. She is

medicine, they became associated with both

also a student of Hecate, a goddess of magic and

physical and spiritual protection, from other

witchcraft which solidified her recognition.

spells or diseases such as plague, at the time

Women like her, who concerned themselves

treated as a punishment for sinfulness. Not only

with olfactory senses, used powerful fragrances

women were associated with herbology. That

but were never affected by them, were

was the time when monk-alchemists created

considered dangerous, as they had power over

many remedies. The Queen of Hungary's Water,

others, especially in seducing men. We could

the first alcohol-based perfume in Europe, was

say they were the first to show femininity,

one of them. Made from rosemary and thyme

strength of independence and ability to

(and later, several other ingredients) it served

persuade in very patriarchal times where they

various purposes - helped with headaches, or

didn’t enjoy much liberty in other aspects of

any kind of pain, cleansed the body or even

life.

reduced blindness.

Other fragrances are believed to have divine

On the other side of the world, in Central and

origin. Hindu mythology explains the creation

South America, one of the most precious

of Mysore Sandalwood. It was the desire of

ingredients was and still is a tree called Bursera

goddess Parvati, symbol of beauty and grace, to

graveolens, more commonly known as Palo

have an extraordinary fragrance. After she

Santo. Named by Spanish monks, this “holy

asked gods for help, Lord Vishnu gifted her

wood” was used by the Inca Tribe during rituals

Mysore Sandalwood. As a result, it is believed

and was thought to have endless potential.

that this fragrance contains divine essence and

Healing, cleansing, chasing away evil spirits are

can enhance spirituality and purity. It’s widely used

in

India

in

religious

just a few of the things that a warm, woody

ceremonies,

incense with a hint of freshness can do. The

traditional festivals or Ayurveda. Used in

aroma and the smoke could free from any

various ways, it can also be burned as incense,

unwanted

a practice known to many different cultures.

presence

or

energy.

Shamans

believed that Palo Santo has a strong spirit so it

The Celtic people had a unique tradition

should be treated with respect. It should only be

involving the use of juniper smoke for

harvested more than three years after the death 7

of the tree so it can help with balancing your

help in driving meaning out of the fortune

own well-being. These days, it’s still used for

order/arrangement.

purification but is mostly known for its calming

Magic of perfume acts as a universal language

properties that help people to get into a state of

connecting people with others, with their

meditation.

surroundings and their spirituality. In the world

Introduced at the beginning of the 19th century

of scents, fragrances play a vital role, acting as

in New York, citrusy and floral Florida Water is

a bridge between our earthly realm and the

a cologne associated with Fountain of Youth. At

spiritual. Not only do they possess calming and

first, taken by enslaved African Americans in

healing properties but also hold the potential to

their magic practices and then popular in

transport us into the transcendent. They are the

Voodoo rituals in the Caribbean and South

gateways to our memories and emotions, that’s

America, it became a known ingredient used for

why we assign so much meaning and power to

purification and as a medium to connect with

them. As Patrick Süskind writes in his book,

the spiritual realm and spirits of ancestors.

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer: "Odours

What’s most interesting, it is still used similarly,

have a power of persuasion stronger than that of

for example as an aid in bone-throwing

words, appearances, emotions, or will. The

divination. According to the New Orleans

persuasive power of an odour cannot be fended

Voodoo spiritual temple’s priestess, Miriam

off, it enters into us like breath into our lungs, it

Chamani, the scent has calming abilities that

fills us up, imbues us totally. There is no remedy for it."

Aleksandra Sołtys

8

BEHIND THE BRIGHT Ranpo Edogawa Profile introduced him to Ruiko Kuroiwa. His works were published in episodes in newspapers with terrific, full of horror and blood illustrations which left a lasting impression on young Tarō.

He made his debut in May 1923, with the story “The Two-Sen Copper Coin” which won a competition for a criminal short story in wellknown Shin Seinen magazine. It was the first bigger work of a Japanese writer published there. It stunned the chief editor so much that he suspected the author of plagiarising western work. And the author was none other than Tarō Hirai with his new pen name - Edogawa Ranpo.

It’s a humorous reference to Edgar Allan Poe,

Ranpo Edogawa (Source:Wikimedia.org)

whom he admired. Said quickly sounds Author, critic, a writer of popular and leisure

surprisingly similar.

literature for young adults or a well-known and

This first artwork was a detective story.

respected father of Japanese mystery and

Classically, it made a central point out of using

thriller fiction, Ranpo Edogawa is a fascinating

logical thinking to solve puzzles. What’s

man of many faces and an important figure in

interesting, the story incorporated various

Japanese modern literature.

elements of Japanese culture - a code based on

A grandson of a samurai and a son of a

a Buddhist chant “nenbutsu” and a Japanese-

merchant, he was born as Tarō Hirai in Nabari,

language Braille.

Mie Prefecture at the turn of the 20th century in

Edogawa became popular, almost overnight,

1894. In 1916 he graduated Waseda University

publishing many stories focused on solving

with a degree in economics. He worked various

crimes. At first his works often presented an

professions, not able to settle anywhere. The

intelligent protagonist unmasking mystery and

only constant thing in his life was the love for,

overcoming stumpers. That would change a lot

at the time still quite new, criminal novels. It

later.

was thanks to his mother - Kiku - who 9

During that time we can also clearly see western

his voice. In 1925 he decided to become a

inspirations in his works, “Psychological Test”

professional writer and it’s visible that his

(1925) being one of many examples. To

works became less and less realistic as he had

Western readers or just any Dostoyevsky’s fans

to provide new stories regularly to be able to make a living out of his job. More fantasy and

it might seem like a rewriting of “Crime and

a turn toward the deepest recesses of the human

Punishment”. The protagonist, a very poor, yet

mind and soul is apparent. He began to explore

witty student, decides to steal money from an

macabre and absurd.

old housekeeper and commits a murder. His best friend becomes the main suspect, but as the

Surprisingly that wasn’t the reason for a big

judge doesn’t believe he was actually able to

controversy over one of his books. “The

commit the crime, a detective is called to solve

Caterpillar'' (1929) got censored in all

the mystery, conducting a psychological test.

publications, not for being gruesome or morbid, but the fact that the main character was a

Sounds amusingly similar. One would say it

soldier. Even though Edogawa always remained

lacks originality, but we have to remember that

apolitical, at the time a military portrayal that

at the time, in Japan, it was treated very

was not a propagandistic puff had no chances of

differently to how we perceive it right now.

surviving. It took the author by surprise since

Especially during the Meiji era, which

the intent was not to belittle military efforts but

coincides with the author's childhood, honyaku

to show horror and sadness of human

bungaku - translated literature was a very

animalization and bestiality. It also became a

popular genre. It put translators in the spotlight,

ghastly prophecy of the near future.

sometimes even omitting the author's name, giving the interpreter credits for competences

Over time, he turned towards erotism,

and skillfulness in adapting foreign literature to

grotesque, nonsense (ero guro nansensu) and

Japanese audiences and culture. Having that in

overall bizarreness. Even though he wasn’t the

mind it shouldn’t be surprising that highly

first to write mystery fiction, he indeed was a

influenced by authors such as Edgar Allan Poe

pioneer in combining it with perversity.

or Artur Conan Doyle, Edogawa enjoyed

“The Demon of the Lonely Isle” was a novel in

popularity as one of the best authors writing

episodes published in a magazine between 1929

crime novels adapted for the Japanese readers.

and 1930. With the main character being

He lived and wrote in unpeaceful times.

homosexual, this crime story combines two

Experiencing severe earthquakes in the 1920s

very different perspectives - animalistic and

and 1930s, World War II and American

erotic descriptions of sexual desires and much

occupation must have had an influence over

more intimate and sensitive explanations of

Edogawa's mind. His style was constantly

human feelings. Even though the relationship

evolving. Other circumstances also impacted

with the main character’s lover is just one of

10

many subplots, it is still worth noticing as a very

Although quickly after his debut he became one

interestingly written artwork. Also, it correlates

of the most widely read authors in Japan, he still

with the author's biography in the light of his

was considered a popular literature (tsūzoku

later activities.

bungaku) or mass literature (taishū bungaku) creator. In opposition to junbungaku - pure

In the 1930s he, along with his friend,

literature created by an exclusive circle of

anthropologist Junichi Iwata, devoted himself

highly educated elites - these types of literature

to searching Western and Japanese books with

weren’t valued as much and weren’t considered

homoerotic motives. They contributed greatly

representatives of Japanese literature. He also

to creating queer historiography.

personally, never considered himself truly

In 1946 he helped in the creation of a new

worthy, as in his opinion he never managed to

journal - Jewels. A year later he founded the

write a “true” detective novel as great as those

Detective Author’s Club, later to be called

written by his idols - Doyle or Poe.

Mystery Writers of Japan, and created a

Nonetheless, he and his “unsuccessful” works

community for detective fiction writers. Since

remained popular and became inspirations for

1955 it has also awarded amateur writers that

many. After the war his works started to get

are starting their journey with commercially

made into films or theatre plays. Till this day he

published books with the Edogawa Ranpo

is a very influential figure in pop culture and a

Prize.

great inspiration for games, anime and manga.

In the 1950s he worked on translations of his

A surprising and fascinating, multifaceted man,

book into English. With a translator only

one could argue that is one of the most

speaking Japanese and Edogawa only reading

important figures in modern thriller literature in

English, the translations were done aurally.

Japan and worldwide.

Writer had to read aloud each sentence so it could be converted and written down, in order

Aleksandra Sołtys

for him to read and check it. Being sick, he died at home in 1965.

11

ART IN GRONINGEN Dreckschnabel When I arrived in Groningen, my first friend was the local city creature, I met him during my night foray exploring the neighbourhood. I was new here, had not yet found people or my place, and

loneliness

autumn cold seeped me

and into

the

smell

of

the

usual

for

midnight promenades. And here he was

standing alone too, tall, a little hunched over watching the silence. I said hello, and thought it was nice to see him, so I knew my acquaintance with the city com-menced from his guardian.

This was Dreckschnabel, a character creaed by artist Hans Mes in 1984.

Dreckschnabel, freestanding bronze sculpture, Hans Mes (1984), 2, 40 m, Bij de Sluis (Source: Original)

Hans Mes (born in Utrecht, 1950) studied at the Groningen Academy of Art ("Minerva") from 1973 to 1979, where he obtained a diploma in two

disciplines:

sculpture

and

monumental design.

His work includes not only monu-mental designs but also small sculptures, reliefs, portraits and medals. He also writes poetry and paints watercolours. The artist characterises his art as visible symbols of things invisible.

Dreckschnabel, freestanding bronze sculpture, Hans Mes (1984), 2, 40 m, Bij de Sluis (Source: Original)

12

GAMMA - is a play of meanings, the work is located

on

the

roof

of

the

former

the

Netherlands

Gamma faculty.

Communication

studies

in

are called Gamma studies. Two people sitting at a table formed

by

the

building,

shaping the

mathematical

/

talking

Greek

and

Gamma

character.

Gamma, Art in/on a building, Hans Mes (2001), 5 x 3 m, Messing, Zernikelaan 23 (Source: hansmes.com) Man in Ligstoel, freestanding bronze sculpture, Hans Mes (1984), h 0,85 m, Floresplein (Source: hansmes.com)

MAN IN LIGSTOEL (MAN IN A LOUNGER) - a work defined by its place. This sculpture was created as part of the redevelopment of

Bataviastraat

Buurt

in

neighbourhood.

the At

the

Indische time,

the

neighbourhood was home to many drug addicts.

In the image of a sickly man in a deckchair, as on many Dutch verandas in old Batavia, and with a coin in his hand, two stories meet - the colonist parasitising on the wealth of his colony, the drug addict on his body.

Vogelvrij, freestanding bronze and coated steel sculpture, Hans Mes (2004), h 6,14/7,00/5,25 m, Kornalijnlaan (Source: hansmes.com)

13

VOGELVRIJ (OUTLAW) - The title of the work is translated into English as outlaw, but it is worth paying attention to the etymology

- “VOGEL”

is

Dutch

for

“bird”, “VRIJ” for “free”.

The author talks about the meaning of the work as

follows:

The

term

“vogelvrij”

originally referred to corpses that were not buried but left as prey for birds. It denotes those who were universally persecuted. The meaning of the sculptural group cannot be explained simply and unambiguously. After all, everyone has their own thoughts and experiences related to the theme of my sculptures. Political or religious persecution, Winkelhaak, art in/on a building, Hans Mes (1992), Brick, Messing, 8 x 8 m, W.A. Scholtenstraat (Source: hansmes.com)

bullying at school, asylum seekers in detention centres - these are just a few examples that explain the meaning of "vogelvrij'.

WINKELHAAK (SQUARE) a triangle made of brick,

on

which

the

contours of a classic model square of polished brass are placed. The square is one of the symbols of the Freemasons. The placement of this Masonic symbol outwardly

clarifies

purpose of the building.

Worstelaars, freestanding bluestone sculpture, Hans Mer (1979), h 0.65 m (excl. socle), Wilgenpad (Source: hansmer.com)

14

the

WORSTELAARS (WRESTLERS) -

The artist's ideas are woven into the city, its

a Gordian knot of two Japanese Sumo

stories, infrastructure and inhabitants, and at

wrestlers placed at a sports hall in the Selwerd

the same time each piece brings with it its own

district of Groningen. Hans Mes created

meanings

Wrestlers during the last year of his studies at

Dreckschnabel is different. I like that he is not

Minerva Art Academy. Mes offered the

attached to anything, exists on its own, his

sculpture on lease to the municipality of

story is unique and started here in Groningen,

Groningen, who then wanted to buy it. Despite

the creature became part of the city and many

opposition from the Minerva Art Academy,

people like me have met him and shared

which thought it could claim copyright,

memories with him over the years.

and

significances.

But

Wrestlers was bought by the municipality one day after Mes graduated.

TRAVELLING An interesting peculiarity of Hans's work is that despite a single recognisable style, the

Something in me has its own way

technique of execution varies from work to

I follow travelling

work,

expressing

its

character,

so

With characters in form and colour

Dreckschnabel is sharp and lanky, as if

I create words from resonance

growing out of the ground, it looks like a

Writing my story

sketch, figurative and not fully defined, he

I follow the silent way of images

wraps himself in a coat or wings, MAN IN

However fixed my ideas are moving

LIGSTOEL looks like bare bones covered

and sketch their way

with clothes, hunched, dried up and lifeless,

along unseen places

WORSTELAARS

is

a

heavy,

smooth,

boulder-like figure, and VOGELVRIJ, on the contrary, looks as if a gust of wind would be enough to fly away.

Veronika Shevchenko

16

Hans Mes

17

INTERVIEW Talk with Dr. Leo Delfgaauw Dr. L.H.M.P. (Leo) Delfgaauw is a lecturer at

Therefore, I decided to pursue art history, which

the University of Groningen with expertise in

was a combination of archaeology and art. After

modern and contemporary art, whose courses

the first half of my studies, I decided to switch

are certainly special for every student. In this

to contemporary art as I found it more

interview he talks about his career and outlook

appealing.

on the arts.

How do you think growing up during the "pop revolution" influenced your approach to art?

Why did you choose to pursue a career in arts? Why did you choose the field of contemporary art?

Yeah, that's a great question. I think about it

When I was a child, I had the opportunity to

myself. You know, I was probably too young

visit museums occasionally as I lived in

during the 60s. I lived in Amsterdam and was

Amsterdam where there were plenty of

the youngest in my family. There were a lot of

museums. Initially, I didn't know much about it

things going on during that time, such as the

but I found it intriguing and enjoyed being

hippie movement, pop music, and everything

there. I also noticed that some of my parent's

that was forbidden, which made it especially

friends and people I met while visiting were

exciting. I was fascinated and influenced by the

surprised and intrigued by what they saw, which

events that happened around us. In that sense, I

sparked my interest further. When I was in high school,

I

thought

about

becoming

am definitely influenced by the 60s and the pop

an

revolution.

archaeologist because I found the idea of

Of

course,

music

played

a

significant role in this as well. As a kid growing

discovering things and finding treasures very

up, I enjoyed popular music and later on, I

romantic. However, I soon realised that my

attended concerts of different genres. I

interest lay more in modern and contemporary

remember when I was very young, we lived on

art, which I found more interesting and offered

one of the canals, where the Beatles stayed for

new opportunities to meet and talk to people.

a while during their visit to Amsterdam. I saw 18

them passing by, and it was a decisive moment

If you were an artist, what disciplines would you choose?

for me. It's always a nice anecdote to tell people because it was a unique and exciting experience.

Oh, that's very speculative because when you don't make anything, you don't know what you

What fascinates you most about the artist persona?

would perhaps want to make. I really don't know. I think maybe the fundamental things like drawing. I always appreciate beautiful

I've always been fascinated by the people who

drawing, and I'm jealous when I see somebody

create art - paintings, drawings or any other

with the talent and skill to make a sketch or

form. Their skill and creativity in making

drawing out of the blue. So, maybe that is

beautiful things always intrigue me. I wonder

something that I would like to start with. But I

where their curiosity and creativity come from.

don't think it will happen.

Whenever I visit an artist's studio, see their work or attend an exhibition, I'm always

What is the role of the artist in today’s world?

impressed and fascinated by their way of viewing the world. Despite this, I still don't know how they do it.

The role of art in today's world is a crucial one, as it provides us with a much-needed sense of

Do you consider yourself an artist?

hope and comfort in the face of the many challenges that we are facing in our world today. Art, in its many forms, allows us to

No, not at all. I'm not an artist myself. I'm too

explore and communicate our thoughts and

clumsy. Of course, like every kid, I like to make

feelings about the world around us in a way that

drawings and things like that. But quite soon, I

is both creative and unique. Artists, with their

realised that I was much more curious about the

ability to see the world in a different light, and

work of others than actually making things

to express their views through their art, often

myself. I wanted to read about it, know about it,

provide us with insights that we might not have

and see it. But I never felt the urge to make it

otherwise considered. They offer us a different

myself. So, I don't make anything.

perspective on the world and help us to understand it in a new way. The creative act of writing, making music, painting, sculpting, or any other form of artistic expression, is now more important than ever. Art allows us to connect with others, to express ourselves, and to make sense of the world around us. Though 19

the world has changed considerably since the

turned out to be a nice story to tell. Most of my

artist's earlier days, the appreciation for art

memories

remains the same. While the artist may have

encounters I had with artists and the stories we

become more informed and solid in their

shared. There are probably many more stories,

approach, their fascination and curiosity for

but maybe I should share them with you later.

are

pleasant,

especially

the

what is being made remain undiminished. In short, art plays a vital role in enriching our lives

Do you have any advice for the next generation of art professionals?

and providing us with a much-needed source of inspiration and comfort in a world that can often seem uncertain and chaotic.

Do you have any great stories from your professional life?

As a teacher, I often find it challenging to inspire my students to pursue their dreams.

However, I do believe that studying a field you

Starting my professional life was not easy, I had

are passionate about is a beautiful thing, but it

to do different things in various functions and

does not come with a guarantee of success.

different places. However, I was lucky enough

Luck plays a part, but being proactive and

to meet a lot of people and have many beautiful

finding opportunities to develop your skills is

moments and stories. Once, I worked as a

just as important. Building a professional

curator and had to transport a work of art from

network through visiting places, meeting

a museum to New York for an exhibition. I had

people, and taking the initiative is crucial to

to make sure that everything was safe and

your career growth. Although it may sound like

secure during the transport and installation

management talk, it is a reality, and you should

process. Accompanied by official documents, I

not be naive about it. Continuing to learn and

arrived in New York late in the evening with the

developing your expertise, skills, and frame of

artwork. It was snowy, cold, and I was tired.

reference is also essential for professional

When we reached the gallery, the entrance door

growth. Staying active in studying, reading,

was not big enough, and the artwork couldn't fit

visiting places, and writing is important.

in the gallery space. I was stranded with the big

Writing is an integral part of reflecting on your

crate in New York, and it was terrible. There

thoughts and ideas. It allows you to organise

was no immediate solution, and I had to wait

your thoughts and think out loud, helping you

until someone else came with the keys to

to communicate your ideas effectively. Being

another place. After several hours of waiting,

precise in your writing and finding the right

the artwork was finally transported to the right

vocabulary is key in conveying your message to

place, but it was already 5 or 6 in the morning,

your audience. Pursuing your passion and

and I was completely devastated. Although it

building your professional network, continuing

was a terrible experience at the moment, it 20

to learn, and developing your skills are all

and recognise that your opinion is not the only

crucial to your professional growth. So, keep

one that matters.

pushing yourself to try new things, take the initiative, and never stop learning.

What art pieces or artworks describe you the best?

How do you drink your coffee?

When assessing the quality of something, it can be challenging to use terms like "the best" or "less good." It all depends on your criteria and

I'd love a cappuccino in the morning and an

perspective. My judgement on things has

espresso in the evening.

changed over time. Some things that I was crazy about when I was younger don't interest

What today's artist do you think will be well known even centuries from now?

me as much anymore, while other things that I didn't consider or like as much before I find very intriguing now. It's not an absolute judgement but something that changes over

When it comes to predicting the future, I must

time. The things that I find difficult to

admit that I am not a fortune-teller or a wizard.

understand are the most intriguing and

There are so many surprises in life that it's

important because they are the works that

impossible to foresee everything. But that's

surprise me, challenge me to think, and make

perfectly fine. In the art world, some artists who

me question my understanding. It's like with

were once considered important and influential

music or literature; when you read a book or

are now completely forgotten, while others who

listen to a complicated piece of music, you have

were overlooked have suddenly become very

to make an effort to understand it, and that's

relevant and influential. So, predicting who the

what makes it interesting. Sometimes, an

next Vincent van Gogh will be is not my main

artwork may seem unappealing or confusing at

task, and I honestly have no idea. Of course,

first, but after looking at it more closely, I

people sometimes ask me to make predictions,

become completely fascinated by it. It's

but what's more important than predictions is

important to make an effort and engage with art,

having clear criteria for appreciating and judging

artwork.

Regarding

literature, and music, even if it's challenging

quality,

because that's where we often find the most

importance, and aesthetics, it's essential to be

rewarding experiences. Best in in terms of

clear about your criteria. However, it's also

quality and in terms of comparison I find it very

important to remember that your criteria are

difficult to to use these terms as the best or less

influenced by your perspective, which is just a

good or whatever it all depends again on your

moment in time. So, it's crucial to be modest

criteria I have to think about it I don't know 21

where you know no I when I try to think of my

How does ageing affect an artist, is it truly a lifetime of learning?

own judgment on hard works I also must admit that it has changed over time so some of the things that are really was crazy about when I was much younger I don't find them that

It's fascinating to think about the ageing process

interesting anymore while other things that I

and what it means for artists. It's great to see

didn't really consider or like so much I find

that you're interested in the topic of ageing,

them very intriguing now so it's it's not like a an

especially as it relates to the world of art and my

absolute judgment it's something that changes

field of research. It's an intriguing subject, as

and then again you have to think about your

artists often face unique challenges and

criteria why is it that I like something or I think

opportunities as they grow older. One of the

overall the things that I find difficult to

most exciting aspects of ageing for artists is

understand in the end they are the most

how it affects their perspective on the world. As

intriguing the most important because those are

we become older, we gain new experiences,

the works that surprise you those are the works

insights, and perspectives, which can be

that challenge you to think about because you

invaluable when it comes to creating art. Many

don't really know what it is all about and you

artists find that their work becomes more

have to you have to make an effort when it is

complex and nuanced as they grow older, as

let's say too easy it becomes at least there is a

they are able to draw on a lifetime of

risk of becoming boring we have to make an

experiences and emotions. At the same time,

effort like with music again or like with

ageing can bring its own challenges. As our

literature when you read a book and it's really complicated,

Oh

my

goodness

I

bodies and minds change, it can become more

don't

difficult to create art with the same energy and

understand a word of it I have to read it a second

intensity as we did when we were younger.

time and then slowly perhaps you can relate

Some artists find that they are able to adapt and

yourself to this literature or texture and the

find new ways of working, while others

same with an artwork some of the artworks are

struggle to maintain the same level of creativity

with that I think more. Yet there are works I

and productivity. Ultimately, the impact of

don't know what to think of, it's crazy it looks

ageing on artists can vary widely depending on

terrible or whatever but then later on yeah I'm

the individual. Some artists may find that their

completely fascinated by.

work becomes more vibrant and meaningful as they age, while others may struggle to maintain the same level of inspiration and creativity.

Regardless of the challenges they face, however, many artists agree that learning and growth is an essential part of their practice. By 22

continuing to develop new techniques, explore

What are your most important core values?

new ideas, and refine their skills, artists can continue to create meaningful and impactful work throughout their lives. While there is often

Art and life are not separate fields; they are very

a strong emphasis on supporting and promoting

much related. That's why artists are beautiful

young, promising artists, it's also worth

and so important because they are part of life.

considering what happens to artists as they

For me personally, artists give hope, which is

grow older. While there isn't a universally

something we need in life, especially with all

applicable formula for how an artist's work

the terrible things going on. A core value should

changes over time, there are some exciting

be to stay curious about things we don't know. I

patterns and observations to consider. For

don't want to sound preachy, but I think that is

example, some artists produce their most

maybe a core value for all of us. Many of the

compelling work in their later years, while

problems in the world or in our private lives are

others peak early in their careers. Additionally,

related to not understanding another person or

ageing can bring about changes in an artist's

not accepting something different. This is how

creative process, either due to physical

we divide people. We don't like them because

limitations or simply because of shifts in

they behave stupidly, have a different colour, or

perspective and life experience. Despite these

have red hair. It can be anything. We realise that

differences, one common thread among many

it is completely stupid, but we must be

artists is the importance of ongoing learning

constantly reminded not to judge. Of course, I

and growth. Exploring new ideas, refining

do the same, but I try to realise that art is very

techniques, and expanding one's skills is an

helpful. Something that I don't understand can

essential part of any artistic practice, regardless

be, in the end, so beautiful, nice, and essential,

of age. When it comes to Picasso he's a

and it enriches me. That is a core value. It's the

particularly fascinating example of an artist

only one I have. I don't have any other core

who continued to evolve and experiment

values.

throughout his life. While his early work is undoubtedly iconic, his later work also

What is your favourite hobby?

showcases a remarkable depth and complexity that reflects his years of experience and experimentation.

I don't have many hobbies, which sounds boring, but I'm very much involved with art in many ways. This includes my professional life, such as teaching, giving interviews, and more.

My hobbies include seeing exhibitions, visiting museums, and reading about art. Lately, I have 23

been reading quite a lot about history, not

Budapest synagogue, which is also quite

specifically about art, but history in general. I

beautiful.

find it very interesting. Reading is a sort of hobby. Besides that, I have a garden, a part of

What is your comfort food after a long day?

my private life. One of my hobbies is collecting artist books - books, publications, magazines, leaflets, or anything made by artists. It's kind of

Oh, my goodness, chicken soup! Of course,

funny to collect them. This is a little bit difficult

self-made. That's the best.

nowadays because of the internet. Nowadays, everything is online, so you can easily find everything, but then you have to pay full price,

Barnabás Áron Somogyi

which I don't want to do. It used to be fun to go to second-hand bookshops or to the flea market and discover something nice. Maybe this relates to my childhood idea of becoming an archaeologist, digging somewhere, and finding a treasure. In some spare moments, I like to watch Judo on YouTube because it was my sport when I was young, and I still enjoy seeing it. As an art historian, you don't need it, but sometimes as a teacher, it can be useful...

What is your favourite church?

One of my favourite churches is a small chapel in Germany called Cappella Di San Nicolao. It was built by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and is located in the countryside, making it a very peaceful and serene place to visit. The chapel can only accommodate a few people, typically no more than two or three at a time. Despite being a religious site, it's not overly imposing and has a calming atmosphere. It's one of my favourite places to go for spiritual contemplation. Another favourite of mine is the

24

MONTHLY TASTE OF THE ARTS “Bunny” by Mona Awad other “bunny” invites her for “Smut Salon” their weekly meeting. Samantha has no idea what thing she will be part of and how others view creating literature.

What grasps the reader from the first chapter is sharp, intelligent language narrating the novel.

The author perfectly captured the academic environment and artistic, small world. Main character is very interesting to follow. All her actions, imperfect personality and flaws that lead her to so many weird situations make her a greatly written person. But what I loved the most in this novel, is passion for creating no matter what and how, love for art and literature that is almost dangerous and unhealthy.

Bunny Cover (Source: media-amazon.com)

Unreliable narrator and morbid scenes like from

December is definitely a month perfect for

horror movies, make readers question how real

cosy books and even though “spooky season”

the story actually is and what do we know

and Halloween are over, I view the first month

actually about Samantha.

of the winter as cold, and slightly creepy in its nature.

Mona Awad put together elements of horror, fairy tale and satire creating perfect, sugar

That is why I think Bunny by Mona Awad, will

coated and creepy, but incredibly enjoyable

be a perfect read for the season with colder days

novel. Bunny is certainly a weird book and after

and nights, constant rain and cloudy sky.

finishing the last page it will leave you with Samantha is an outsider attending a selective

many questions and no answers for them. If you

programme at Warren University. She does a

can call yourself passionate about art, odd

writing course and tries to overcome many

themes and twisted, surrealistic stories, you

struggles stopping her from becoming a

should really try picking Bunny and I am sure

successful author. Everything changes, when a

you will not regret it.

strange group of doll-looking girls calling each 25

“Eyes wide shut” by Stanley Kubrick morning,

but

atmospheric

and

thought

provoking. „Eyes wide shut” is Stanley Kubrick's movie about loss, desire and deep emotions.

It tells a story of William Harford - a doctor who in a brutal way realises his wife is having some fantasies and he is not the only man she desires.

Being struck by this fact, he decides to search for sexual encounters and becomes obsessed with that idea. He does not realise where that can lead him to.

The film touches humans' most hidden emotions and thoughts. It perfectly connects the idea of secret societies arising from deepest desires and cult-like ideas with weakness,

Eyes wide shut (Source: media.s-bol.com)

insecurities and obsessive thoughts. The plot of

As I mentioned, December is obviously a

the film happens during the winter time in New

month perfect for spooky art, but also a time

York, which creates an atmospheric, unique

when everyone craves a good winter film. As

vibe.

much as we love cliche and cosy Christmas movies, sometimes we might be overwhelmed

What I loved about this film the most, was the

by that genre and look for something less

great way of portraying an individual in a

traditional. And here I can recommend to you

relationship, but also in a larger group of

one of my favourite winter movies, certainly

people. All emotions that are tried to be hidden

not a one to watch with family on Christmas

and

fears

of

regular

doctors

meeting

questionable society are shown very clearly which makes it easier to relate to him and sympathise with his feelings.

Anastazja Twarowska

26

Artsy Minds Sunflower seeds We’re all entities lost in a field of copies Our souls are strangled And our voices are muted He was born as a mass-produced, commercially available, and utilitarian object, An object that was given a name, put into a piece of cloth, and designated a Father.

His tombstone read: “R. Mutt –” followed by the year of death.

She was raised as one in a million, one piece scattered through a million of sunflower seeds arranged in a continuous rectangular grid upon which the Sun never falls An industrially produced, individually handcrafted piece of ceramic that was put into a shell, assigned a home, and called a Mother.

And I – I was the childless child of these pre-fabricated items.

Born with a heart of marble.

A soldier of the terra-cotta army, one of the many collections of sculptures held in the imperial treasury living among the warriors, chariots, and the horses, and buried together with the officials, acrobats, and musicians.

Lia Calancea, Art History student, 2nd year, Museum Committee member 27

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