Especially for this exhibition, visual artist Raquel van Haver created six new works for the Amsterdam Museum. These six large group portraits are presented separately as a solo exhibition with the title The Collateral Kin in the main hall of the exhibition Refresh Amsterdam #3: Imagine the Future. The works by Van Haver depict people who, according to the artist, should be remembered in the future because they contribute to the city of Amsterdam today.
Inspired by regent portraits from the 17th and 18th centuries, Van Haver depicts influential thinkers, creatives and activists from the city - from Gloria Wekker to Massih Hutak, Diana Ozon and Joost van Bellen. Each painting is framed with special veneer in which additional stories and symbolism are woven. The portraits are the heart of the exhibition and a powerful tribute to heroes of today. Next to painting the people on canvas, Van Haver also photographed them and archived everyone's story in cooperation with Stadsarchief Amsterdam.
'The 17th-century group portraits from the Amsterdam Museum's collection formed a source of inspiration. Paintings known to visitors as works in which the elite often came together and showed their deeds with grandest gestures. I bring these works into the present with The Collateral Kin.”
