Wonders - Exhibition Hans van der Weijden

This centuries-old tradition provides a rich breeding ground for the work of Van der Weijden, who has been fascinated by relics, reliquaries and the stories associated with them for years. In a special display, the artist's new works will be shown together with old relics from his private collection. The exhibition will be festively opened by Astrid Smeets, chief curator of the Maastricht Museum Museum.

Old and new
Van der Weijden is not only a visual artist, but also a passionate collector of antique reliquaries. In the Wonderlijkheden exhibition, he brings together his two worlds. Old relics from his private collection are presented alongside his latest objects: contemporary boxes, cabinets and assemblages in which he keeps worldly souvenirs and personal memories. Each work is a carefully constructed gem - a tribute to preserving, giving meaning and cherishing.

Both Van der Weijden's collection of historical relics and his non-religious artworks show a great sense of the material used. Van der Weijden makes boxes and boxes from zinc and keeps his secrets and memories in them. Ostrich eggs and sea urchins become repositories for what the artist calls his 'finds'. These assemblages are adorned with all kinds of ornaments - shells, stones, beads, feathers, twigs and strings - which are sometimes displayed like a trinket behind a viewing glass.

A nod to the relic
How do you give meaning to a relic, a work of art or a personal object? The answer lies - at least in part - in the presentation of these objects. Placing the object in a decorated holder or display case gives it ritual value. In Wonderlijkheden, Van der Weijden plays with this notion by bringing medieval 'heavenly' relics into a secular context. At the same time, he shows the specialness of everyday finds by presenting them as relics. Thus, both old and new become meaningful again.

"I am fascinated by giving meaning to dead objects," says van der Weijden. "My assemblages are little altars. They are akin to relics in precious containers, but are separate from religion or status. As in medieval goldsmithing, I play with details, decoration and craft."

The festive opening will take place on 7 June with opening remarks by Astrid Smeets (chief curator of the Maastricht Museum Museum) at 16:00.

RSVP via info@artichoque.nl

The event takes place on the occasion of the Sanctuary Day.