Bringing “mental health into the open,” Museum van de Geest (the Museum of the Mind) showcases works by artists marked by a range of disabilities. While visiting its Amsterdam location in the monumental H’ART Museum last month, I came upon works by both renowned late outsider artists and some who are currently active.
The image pictured above, “Truth Festival” was fashioned in mixed media by the late Dutch artist Willem van Genk. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, van Genk is deemed one of the leading masters of outsider art. Several more images currently on view at the Museum van de Geest follow:
Dutch artist Piet Schopping — who largely communicates with the world through his drawings — “The Woman,” Mixed technique on canvas, 2016
The late Spanish artist Anselme Boix-Vives, “Bird formation,” Gouache and oil on cardboard, 1964
Dutch artist Derk Wessels — born in 1972 with Down’s syndrome — “My Secret #2,” Crayon on paper
Emotionally impaired, Amsterdam-based artist Evert Panis, “Sunflowers”, Marker on canvas, 2009
Physically challenged Dutch painter Roel Heijmans, “Lamb of God,” Acrylic on paper, 2015
Located inside the H’ART Museum, the Amsterdam branch of Museum van de Gees — featuring rotating exhibitions of outsider art — is open daily from 10 AM to 5PM.
Photos of images: Lois Stavsky
