Kees van Leeuwen

ned / eng

In my work I research human interactions within institutional architectural spaces . I like to show space as a ‘language’ which is universally revealed in certain types of buildings. I explore spaces which have no meaning without content and in which visitors can project their own ideas.

 

My work is also influenced by the sociological narratives that are projected into a physical site, thereby informing how its inhabitants will reflect on the site and its contents.

Parallel to my art, I am the Netherland’s leading Cold War nuclear bunker specialist. This interest stems from my experience of nuclear bunkers as possessing a distinctly subdued sensorial impact – they are tranquil spaces. These bunkers are ‘cavities’ hidden beneath bustling, oftentimes overwhelming metropoles.

However, though such bunkers were essentially constructed as sites of protection, these very concealed monuments radiate a paradoxical atmosphere. 

In more recent years, I also spent extensive periods travelling through Japan, researching the country’s traditions and philosophies of space, architecture and conservation. The notion of ‘Ma’ – architectural illusions, space that appears empty or without obvious function – is my main focus.

 

programmer, composer & designer

Jaromir Mulders

Judith Pool

Illustrator / Animator

Johan Klungel

Illustration & Graphic design

Marina Domínguez

Artist

Meli Kuhn

Anne Mul

Bolten Vioolbouw

Kunstenaar

Gosse van der Leij

Graphic Design

Brr Brr

Anne Mul

Artist

Marianne Lammersen

Lex van der Meij

Cartoonist, animator, schilder

Janek Koza

Illustrator & cartoonist

TRIK©

Design & concept

Buro Blikgoed

Kunstenaar

Jan Kuhlemeier

visual artist

Beth Namenwirth

Kees van Leeuwen

Designer

Noortje Boer

Journalist & designer

Chris Muyres

Artist and Researcher

Saskia Burggraaf

Portrait photography

Nienke Veneboer

Engineer and producer

Sietse Damen

Eva Kreuger

Product designer

Ana López Santacruz

Candela Murillo