STARRED BY PAN AMSTERDAM: NEELIE KROES
Neelie Kroes is a former Dutch politician and businesswoman who served as European Commissioner from 2004 to 2014. She previously held roles as Minister of Transport and Water Management, and she was the first woman in that role, setting a precedent for female ministers in the field. Since retiring, Kroes has remained active in the private sector. We have asked her to ‘star’ five works at the 37th edition of the PAN Amsterdam.
The central theme of Neelie's selection is minimalism. After all, minimalism brings you back to the essence, the core of life. Minimalist art is the opposite of boring, as you can continue thinking and fantasizing for yourself without being distracted. In fact, the viewer becomes the maker.
1. At BorzoGallery (stand 36) Neelie selected Constructie in plexiglas (1960) by André Volten. This work tells a story, a story that a viewer may not see at a first glance. Your thoughts develop further and suddenly everything is possible.
2. At Dep Art Gallery (stand 73) Neelie selected 3 Ovali Rossi (2020) by Turi Simeti. This work shows a certain optical illusion and allows the viewer to fantasize further.
3. At Coppejans Gallery (stand 61) Neelie chose a work by Hans Kool, Nieuwe Lekkerland (1948). The artwork gives the impression of being impossible to stand upright. Gravity seems of no importance, which is emphasised by the minimalist design. The addition of organic forms leads the viewer all the more back to the essence.
4. At M. Simons Gallery (stand 63) Neelie selected the work Untitled (14-04) (2014-24) by Ido Vunderink. The neon colours immediately attract attention, but the white-coloured panels simultaneously bring a certain calmness. The work consists of three separate panels which, despite their individual character, together form a harmonious whole, which makes it extra intriguing.
5. At Galerie Roger Katwijk (stand 69) Neelie was immediately intrigued by Stargazer (2024) by Pieter Obels. This work has an irresistible attraction that makes you pause when you walk past it. Its power lies in its intense colour and intriguing use of materials. The tension arises from the contrast between the rough material and the graceful form.
The central theme of Neelie's selection is minimalism. After all, minimalism brings you back to the essence, the core of life. Minimalist art is the opposite of boring, as you can continue thinking and fantasizing for yourself without being distracted. In fact, the viewer becomes the maker.
1. At BorzoGallery (stand 36) Neelie selected Constructie in plexiglas (1960) by André Volten. This work tells a story, a story that a viewer may not see at a first glance. Your thoughts develop further and suddenly everything is possible.
2. At Dep Art Gallery (stand 73) Neelie selected 3 Ovali Rossi (2020) by Turi Simeti. This work shows a certain optical illusion and allows the viewer to fantasize further.
3. At Coppejans Gallery (stand 61) Neelie chose a work by Hans Kool, Nieuwe Lekkerland (1948). The artwork gives the impression of being impossible to stand upright. Gravity seems of no importance, which is emphasised by the minimalist design. The addition of organic forms leads the viewer all the more back to the essence.
4. At M. Simons Gallery (stand 63) Neelie selected the work Untitled (14-04) (2014-24) by Ido Vunderink. The neon colours immediately attract attention, but the white-coloured panels simultaneously bring a certain calmness. The work consists of three separate panels which, despite their individual character, together form a harmonious whole, which makes it extra intriguing.
5. At Galerie Roger Katwijk (stand 69) Neelie was immediately intrigued by Stargazer (2024) by Pieter Obels. This work has an irresistible attraction that makes you pause when you walk past it. Its power lies in its intense colour and intriguing use of materials. The tension arises from the contrast between the rough material and the graceful form.