The Beeldbrekers (ReFramers) are a group of young adult students and (young) professionals who dedicate their expertise to helping the Van Gogh Museum become more inclusive. What do they do in everyday life, and what motivates them to help the museum?
Meet the Beeldbrekers
Michelle
Art, culture and dance have always played an important role in my life; they are the essence of what adds sparkle to life. My choice of study was therefore a no-brainer: art history. But while I was studying, I came to realise that we were always talking about the same male artists; where there really no female or bicultural artists?
As a young woman who grew up with two cultures, representation is really important to me. The museum should be a place for everyone, which connects people and inspires them. And yet many people feel a barrier, and think that it’s not a place for them.
As a ReFramer and future museum professional, I am dedicated to making the museum a place where everyone feels welcome and represented, both as a visitor and in the museum collections. Because museums can only reach their full potential as connectors in society if they become truly inclusive.
Warsan
The dictionary defines art as ‘the ability to create beauty and ignite aesthetic pleasure.’ This made it clear to me that I have always been engaged with art, from jazz ballet performances to visits to the FOAM photography museum and Museum Night. I’m Warsan Meke, 27 years old, and now I’m a ReFramer at the Van Gogh Museum, I want to channel my love of art to boost diversity and inclusion.
With my background in Media, Information and Communication, I focus on subjects that are close to my heart, like the representation of different identities. My mission is to make art more accessible to people who didn’t grow up with art in their lives. By creating interactive experiences and sharing stories, I hope to show the beauty of Van Gogh’s work. My aim is to make the museum a place where everyone can experience the magic of art.
Duncan
Even as a child, I was passionate about sneakers. What started with ‘Hey, cool coloured shoes!’ grew into an exploration of many of my current interests: music (from grime to soul), architecture, and various art movements. But it also showed me just how destructive today’s fashion industry is, and how this could be improved with innovative production technologies.
And this is currently my main focus. After graduating from the fashion academy in Amsterdam, I started working for a shoe brand where I am challenged to consider the ‘why’. Why do people buy a certain product? What is the correct balance between doing the right thing for the planet and safeguarding the future of a commercial company? Why is the one brand seen as being ‘cool’, and another as amateuristic? Why is the production chain so complex, and can’t it be more local? What do we do with the shoes once they are worn out and out of favour? It’s my job to find the most appropriate answers to these questions.
And I have similar questions for the Van Gogh Museum, which can result in new, exciting and surprising initiatives.
Adam
My love of art has been a journey. When I first visited museums, I had questions like: How should I view this work? Why does this have worth? What am I even doing here, if I know so little about it all? As my perspective started to become less restricted, I discovered the beauty and accessibility of art and museums, and the barriers that once held me back began to disappear.
What appeals to me is that each work can evoke something different with you than with me. We all have unique stories, and these differences can unite us.
Alongside art, I’m also into film, theatre, gaming and chess, and I enjoy playing football. I work at KLM, which allows me to combine my love of travel with discovering new museums.
As a ReFramer at the Van Gogh Museum, I want to focus on important themes in the lives of young adults, such as cultural identity, connection and mental health. Art has played an important role for me in this regard. Particularly the story of Van Gogh is vulnerable and recognisable, and I think that his quest can inspire many people.
Himaya
As an artist with Ugandan roots, I bring a fresh perspective to the art world. My background in anthropology broadens my insight into culture and diversity. And this knowledge is what inspires my paintings, in which I express the potency of cultural heritage. In the same way that Van Gogh’s story has so many layers that it will always stay relevant, I aim to depict different perspectives and experiences in my work, which are timeless and universal.
As a ReFramer, I will dedicate myself to reducing the gulf between culturally diverse communities and the art sector. And I will combine my anthropological background and artistic skills to build bridges between different cultures and communities. I hope that my work can not only improve the representation of diverse voices in the arts, but also inspire others to embrace their own cultural heritage and to share it through creative expression. Art has the power to unite people from all backgrounds and to foster mutual understanding.
Zeeger
As a Contemporary Nerd, I’m constantly on the lookout for new things to learn. I love having adventures: whether it’s something small like an unexpected activity, or a mega adventure on the other side of the globe. I’m always looking for new friends to go on adventures with.
I’m an Amsterdam-based artist who creates his own universe full of aliens, or in fact, Contemporary Nerds. They are smart, friendly, relaxed and happy. I enjoy upending our experiences on earth, and that’s why I make fun stuff every day. In terms of my art, that includes large 3D spacecraft, illustrated books, science fiction stories and mega frames with Nerds or special I tems from the Nerds.
I also have a collective called Noys Amsterdam, together with my friends. And my own magazine called BLAST, in which we introduce artists and other creatives. There’s loads more to discover about me, so let’s go on an adventure together!
Marves
My mother took me to the Van Gogh Museum when I was a child, so I had an early introduction to the work of Van Gogh. His paintings are a fine example of how what you leave behind can influence how people will remember you.
Everyone makes their own painting that people will remember them by, and I would like connection to be the focus of my painting. That’s why I am a ReFramer: I want to work with the other ReFramers to connect the museum with everyone.
In my day-to-day life, I mainly work with young people who are in danger of slipping into criminality, but also with children at daycare. I enjoy being in contact with people, because you – irrespective of your age – can always learn from each other. And I also enjoy capturing this, in photography and videography. As a ReFramer, I want to connect the museum with its visitors, and to learn from one another.
Eden Kösters
Art has always been a big part of my life. As a young child, I often thought that museums were boring, but I have always been creative. And that thankfully didn’t come to an end in my teens: I’m involved with all sorts of art forms, such as music, photography, multimedia and drawing, but my main focus is clothing.
I used to run a styling company offering second-hand collections, but I am currently studying Fashion Design at the HKU in Utrecht. Sustainability and the climate are important to me: I have bought all of my clothes second-hand for the past four years. I also regularly make my voice heard at climate protests.
At 19, I’m one of the youngest ReFramers, and I’m really proud to be part of this group. In the year ahead, I am looking forward to working with the other ReFramers to offer a fresh perspective on projects, to asking critical questions and to helping make the Van Gogh Museum a more inclusive and more accessible place for young adults.
Sara Halilovic
As a Beeldbreker at the Van Gogh Museum, I am a young bicultural art and culture lover, determined to bridge the gap in representation within the art sector. With a background in Cultural Heritage and a long-term involvement in social work, focused on diversity and inclusivity, I strive to make a connection between artists, museums, and the public.
I believe that art is primarily for the viewer, not for the institution, and I hope to contribute to creating an inclusive cultural space where everyone feels represented.
Museums have always functioned as places where knowledge, ideas, and creativity are shared, but previously this was only reserved for a small group in society. My vision on the future of museums is in line with this: I believe that a museum should be an accessible institution for everyone.
The museum must actively enter into dialogue and explore new creative paths together with the public, so that art and culture actually become accessible to all levels of society. As a Beeldbreker, I see our role as one of the first steps on this fascinating path.