Private: Rotterdam – Sensitive Times | Lidwien van de Ven

Rotterdam – Sensitive Times is the fourth publication in a series of portraits, in book form, of the city of Rotterdam, that Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art has been producing in collaboration with artists who are particularly concerned with photographic medium.

The cover of the publication showcases Lidwien van de Ven’s photograph Berlin, 02/10/2010 (die Freiheit) and currently on display on the window façade of the Goethe Institut in Rotterdam (until 30 September 2014).

The image Berlin, 02/10/2010 (die Freiheit) shows a view of the room in Berlin in which Geert Wilders—at the invitation of René Stadtkewitz, the former CDU politician—is about to give his first speech in Germany in support of Stadtkewitz’s newly founded party Die Freiheit. This appearance was part of the Geert Wilders International program, an organization that strives to spread the Dutch politician’s views abroad. Germany is one of five key countries targeted by the organization.

The event at the Goethe Institut includes a brief introduction of the publication by Witte de With’s managing curator Amira Gad and editor of the title, followed by a conversation with the artist Lidwien van de Ven that goes more in-depth into the book and the greater socio-political scope involved but also addressing its relevance today considering recent political developments in Europe.

Kunstfenster # 03| Goethe Institut

On view until 30 September 2014
Lidwien van de Ven: Berlin, 02/10/2010 (die Freiheit)
In collaboration with Het Wilde Weten
Goethe-Institut, Westersingel 9, Rotterdam