The Gallery Upstairs opened the exhibition Exploring Beauty by Erik R. Hagen on Sunday 7 November, which continues until 25 November. The event was a huge success. The Mayor of Rijswijk, Burgemeester Ineke van der Wel, opened the exhibition. The Mayor was extremely impressed with the project and was presented with a book from Erik from the National Kunstweek, Kunst met een Kus, which mentions The Gallery Upstairs.

Artist/Photographer Erik Hagen, Soprano Liat Alkan-Heyman, Gallery owner Sharon van Munster Capon, Soprano Silvia da Silva, Pianist Marie Searles, Mayor of Rijswijk Burgemeester Ineke van der Wel and model and PR for the project Li Bruno.

Alderman Jos Bolte (Culture), Gallery owner Sharon van Munster Capon, Fundraiser Basje de Liefde, Arjan Kwakernaak Director Museum Rijswijk

This was followed with a superb performance given by the Ensemble Colla-Voce Liat Alkan Heyman Silvia da Silva (sopranos) and Marie Searles (piano). The ensemble performed songs from Gershwin, Thomas Morley and Purcell. Also present at the opening was Alderman for Culture Jos Bolte, Fundraiser Basje de Liefde and the Director of the Museum Rijswijk Arjan Kwakernaak. The book Exploring Beauty will be published this month.

Burgemeester Ineke van der Wel and Photographer Erik Hagen

Artist and guests with portrait of Lisa painted by Erik Hagen

Exploring Beauty

Women from Europe and America share recurring themes of self-love and body image in this unique exhibition. Erik Hagen began the project in 2009. The Exploring Beauty book and exhibition aims to redefine the perceptions of beauty beyond age and size, using words and images of volunteer models. Collectively they play a role in defining how beauty is understood. Most women do not like their bodies; Erik wanted to make a difference whilst making a relevant art project. Each volunteer was interviewed about their conception of beauty, the interviews were paired with photographs in order to expand the understanding of beauty. The exhibition explored themes of sexuality, aging, body image, health and cultural differences.

Exploring Beauty is open to the public until 25 November.

The Gallery Upstairs

Herenstraat 18b, 2282 BT, Rijswijk

www.thegalleryupstairs.nl

Opening times

Wed - Sun 13.00 - 17.00

Sat 12.00 - 16.00 or by appointment 070 3904420

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